U.S. servicemembers willingly step into the line of duty, facing challenges and uncertainties that most of us can only imagine. At SPCA International, we believe there’s no better way to express our gratitude for their selfless service than by reuniting these brave men and women with the loyal companions they befriended during their overseas deployments. Through our Patriot Pets program, we recently welcomed a group of Patriot Pets into our care and helped to reunite them with their heroes. With open hearts and wagging tails, these furry friends embarked on freedom flights, preparing for a joyous reunion with the soldiers who mean so much to them. As the holiday season unfolds, we’re thrilled to play a small part in these heartwarming tales of love, loyalty, and companionship.
Poland
When an Army Specialist spotted Poland desperately searching for food, she knew she could not turn her back on the helpless kitty. The specialist began caring for Poland, and the two bonded. The specialist knew cats were not welcome where she was, and she worried about what would happen to her new furry friend once her deployment ended. That’s when she reached out to us- the rest is history! Our team quickly jumped into action, bringing Poland into our care and preparing her to travel to the specialist’s home in New York. Our team was by Poland’s side the entire time, ensuring the sweet cat was safe and at ease during the journey.
Poland made it home just in time for Thanksgiving! Despite his rescuer still being on duty, Poland has already found love and comfort with the soldier’s husband, who picked her up. Their bond is paw-some, and Poland is settling into her new home like a true champ! And she’s counting the days until she’s reunited with the soldier who saved her.
Easy E
Remember Easy E? This adorable pup was the only one in his litter to survive. Sadly, all of his siblings were euthanized, leaving him to fend for himself until a brave soldier came to his aid. The soldier nursed him back to health, sheltered him, and even crafted makeshift toys from camp towels. Easy E became a source of joy for everyone at the camp, and the soldier simply couldn’t imagine leaving Easy E behind when his deployment ended. He knew Easy E simply would not survive on his own.
Thanks to the generosity of SPCA International donors like you, we raised the necessary funds to bring Easy E to our shelter in Iraq, where he got the necessary medical exam, tests, and vaccinations to fly to the United States.
We are thrilled that Easy E is now safe in his new forever home, and we can’t wait to hear all about his adventures with the kind soldier who saved his life.
Gunner, Jersey, Boba, Bashi
Compassionate soldiers rescued a stray dog during deployment, only to discover she was pregnant. Soon, a litter of puppies arrived. Born into love and joy, Gunner, Jersey, Boba, and Bashi have been by his soldiers’ side since birth. As their deployment concluded, the soldiers couldn’t leave them behind and asked us for help.
After weeks of navigating red tape and getting the pups ready for their flight to the U.S., we’re pleased to announce that Gunner, Jersey, Boba, and Bashi are all home, nestled back into the arms of the soldiers who embraced them from their first moments.
Every week, we receive more and more requests from U.S. service members who desperately need help bringing the beloved animals they befriend on deployment to safety. Each rescue can last from a few weeks to several months and costs between $4,000 to $9,000 per animal. We need your help reuniting these U.S. heroes with the animals they love.