While on deployment in the Middle East, U.S. Air Force Sergeant Kay encountered something that would change her life and pull at her heartstrings. That thing came to her, a skinny, malnourished, and frightened stray dog who walked up near the base where she was stationed. It didn't take long before she became friends with the dog, then soon inseparable, until she was relocated and had to be separated. Now, she's working with Paws of War to pull off the miracle of getting the dog who was left behind and alone, named Diesel, relocated to the United States, where he will live the rest of his life with her.
“I can’t think of something I have wished for and prayed for in my life more than this actually happening and Diesel being with me in America,” says Sgt Kay.
When she first spotted the hungry dog, it didn't take long before she shared her lunch with him. He grew to trust her, and each day would show back up to get some scraps from her lunch. The two began sharing a bond and became inseparable until she received orders that she would be moved two hours away to a new location. While it was heartbreaking for her to leave Diesel behind, she had no choice at the time.
The unit that stayed behind reported to her that Diesel was depressed, and it was obvious that he was missing her. When she would get to make trips back to the base, Diesel was excited and didn't want her to leave. Before she relocated, the dog was like clockwork, showing up daily for food, belly rubs, and affection. She could see how much he missed that and when it was time for her to leave, he again would become depressed.
She has reached out to Paws of War to relocate Diesel to her home in America, where he will live the rest of his life with her. Now, she is headed back home to the United States and can't bare the thought of leaving Diesel behind in the Middle East for good. Not only are the conditions harsh and brutal for a stray dog, but the two have an incredible bond that she wants to honor.
Paws of War has pulled off numerous such missions, so they know what it takes and how to get it done. However, the missions are costly, and there is a lot of red tape to go through to relocate the dog. They are urging the public to help financially support the mission to ensure these two are reunited and never have to say goodbye again.
“We can make this happen for both of them, but we need everyone’s help to chip in as these missions cost lots of money,” says Derek Cartwright, a veteran and the coordinator for Paws of War. “We owe it to Sergeant Kay to help reunite Diesel with her in America. Their hearts are apart right now, but we can bring them together. We need the support. It’s a team effort to pull off a mission like this.”
Paws of War routinely helps soldiers to relocate pets they have rescued and bonded with during deployment. It is a costly endeavor that includes paying for healthcare and relocation expenses. They can only do these missions with the support of the community.
Please support Diesel’s rescue mission.
