Paws of War’s Military Working Dog Care Package Program delivers comfort, connection, and essential support to soldiers and their lifesaving canine partners overseas
Everyone loves to get a special care package in the mail. Not only is it exciting to get a gift that wasn’t expected, but it also shows that someone is thinking of you and cares. This is why the Military Working Dog Care Package Program, by Paws of War, is so popular. It provides military members and their K9s with much-needed and appreciated items, and it also lets them know people are thinking about them and truly care about their well-being.
“Being able to give them a small gift to keep their spirits up and let them know we have their back at home is an honor,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “This program’s mission is about connection and making sure these teams deployed around the world know they matter. It’s the least we can do to give back for all they do for us.”
Paws of War began the program because the teams work in dangerous, high-pressure environments. That type of situation can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety, and being able to get an unexpected care package can go a long way toward putting a smile on their faces. The K9 dogs are not just working animals, but rather lifesaving partners, and the care packages include items just for them.
Care packages contain a variety of carefully selected items that can be used by the team, including baby wipes to stay clean in harsh environments, handheld fans to stay cooler in extreme heat, dog goggles to protect their eyes from blowing sand and debris, protective dog booties and toys, as well as special treats for handlers, so they have a taste from home. Some care packages also include hand written notes from Girl Scout troops, thanking them for their service.
The mission of the care package program is to provide comfort, a sense of connection from home, and some essentials that they can put to use. There have been veterans who have taken part in packing the care boxes for the deployed K9 teams. Many know firsthand how it feels to be deployed, as well as to receive the care packages. Some have been on the receiving end of the packages, knowing how important and not forgotten, it helped make them feel.
There have been care packages now successfully delivered to two bases overseas, with many more in the works. Paws of War has received back photos and videos of the dogs wagging their tails, excited to get their items. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, as it has lifted morale.
“Many people don’t realize how limited the support is for what they are doing,” said Misseri. “The joy these care packages bring to the dogs and military members is incredible, and we want to continue this mission. We’d love any support people want to give to help keep it going.”
According to the U.S. Department of War, working dogs serve wherever American troops do and are highly skilled warriors. There are roughly 1,600 military working dogs helping to keep the nation safe, with missions spanning air, land, and sea. Most dogs complete a 120-day program to qualify for sniffing out explosives or patrolling and detecting drugs. To learn more and help support the Military Working Dog Care Package Program, visit the site at: http://pawsofwar.org.
Paws of War focuses on helping active duty soldiers and veterans in a variety of ways. They have helped relocate the rescued pets of overseas military members. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has a large, loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs. To donate to help their missions, visit their site at http://pawsofwar.org.
About Paws of War
Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists military members and their pets, rescues and trains dogs to be service dogs, and provides companion animals to veterans and first responders. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site at http://pawsofwar.org.