U.S. Sergeant, LI Nonprofit, Seek Funds To Help Bring Dog Home

NESCONSET, NY — United States Army Sergeant Roberto partnered with Nesconset-based nonprofit Paws of War, as he is looking to bring Teddy, the dog he found while overseas, home with him, according to a news release.

Sgt. Roberto looked to save Teddy after he found she was outside overnight during freezing temperatures. Dogs should not be outside for more than 30 minutes during freezing weather, let alone overnight, according to Paws of War.

"Our soldiers do such a tremendous job and have such huge hearts," said Dereck Cartright, a disabled veteran, who is the stateside logistics coordinator at Paws of War. "There’s no way Sergeant Roberto could stand by knowing that Teddy was out in the cold freezing. Now he knows he can’t leave her behind in that same country, so we are going to do all we can to help bring her back to the U.S."

Sgt. Roberto saw Teddy while he was deployed in a place known for harsh weather. It was a cold, dark night when he came across Teddy, who was obviously in distress, neglected, and shivering cold. She was limping badly and afraid. Sgt. Teddy tried to give her some food, but she ran away in pain, clearly afraid of people, according to Paws of War.

Sgt. Roberto tried to sleep, though all he could think of was how Teddy was out in the freezing cold. When morning came, he headed back to where he had seen her with a pocket full of food, some towels and blankets. He found her curled up into a ball. For several days, he would go back to that spot to bring her food, slowly earning Teddy's trust along the way.

Once Teddy felt comfortable enough to trust Sgt. Roberto, they became connected with a strong bond. He had her matted and tangled hair cleaned up, had her badly overgrown nails trimmed, and gave her the nourishment she needed to become stronger. Now, he is ready to send her back to his home so she can live out her life there with his family.

"I love this dog and can’t imagine leaving her behind or having to send her back out into the harsh conditions," Sgt. Roberto stated via news release. "It would mean the world to me if people could help make my wish come true. I appreciate everyone helping to get Teddy to her new home, where she will be well cared for by me."

If you would like to make a donation to help Sgt. Roberto save Teddy, you can do so here.

Every year, Paws of War helps soldiers to bring animals they rescue while serving overseas safely to the United States. Often times during deployment, the dogs and cats that they befriend bring them such joy and help them get through their tour of duty. While the organization has helped many soldiers rescue their pets, it's always challenging to do so, according to the nonprofit. The coronavirus pandemic has severely limited the number of flights coming from the U.S., especially those that allow dogs. Flights from overseas are also expensive, and there is a lot of red tape that needs to be cut.

Paws of War helps soldiers bring their rescued dogs and cats to America after serving their country overseas through its War Torn Pups and Cats program.