Paws of War Fort Bragg, NC 3/24

Guardians of Rescue — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 14:31:16 +0000

Fort Bragg, NC. Guardians empty shelter on base!
PAWS OF WAR MISSION STATEMENT:
To suitably match pets, often left behind from war torn areas or US kill shelters by pairing them with military veterans suffering from the emotional effects of war such as PTSD who seek the therapeutic and unconditional love only a companion animal can bring.

Guardians began the program after emptying the Fort Bragg Animal Shelter to began this innovative program. Many lucky dogs got a new leash on life. Not all of the dogs will qualify for the program, but all will certainly find new, loving homes!

• All dogs are evaluated prior to training to qualify for the program
• Each dog is carefully matched up with the veteran in need
• Transportation and delivery of dog provided by GoR
• Follow up help and dog training is provided by GoR
• GoR stand behind our dogs 100%. We will always take the animal back for any reason.
• If you or a loved one are a veteran suffering from PTSD, please email us at info@guardiansofrescue.org or fill out our Paws of War application.
• All Paws of War PTSD dogs are certified as service dogs. Through their certification they can travel in all public venues (including airlines, taxi’s, restaurants etc.) with their military veteran owner as protected through the ADA(Americans with Disabilities Act).
• Service dog vests are not required, but are provided for all dogs. Service dog tags will be on the dogs harness or collar.
• THERE IS NO COST TO THE VETERAN .ALL COSTS ARE ABSORBED BY GUARDIANS OF RESCUE. WE RELY SOLELY ON PUBLIC DONATIONS.

Guardians of Rescue member John Walis, a US Army Corporal who served in Afghanistan will be spearheading the Paws of War Program. John knows firsthand the emotional effects of war. “Many veterans of war suffer from PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder”, said Corporal Walis. “It can have emotionally paralyzing effects. Daily living can become difficult and often be filled with feelings of paranoia and fear.”
Robert Misseri, Founder of Guardians of Rescue developed this program after meeting John. The organization arranged for “Tommy”, a shaggy mixed breed dog from Afghanistan to come to the states and become John’s best friend for life. “Animals have a very therapeutic, calming effect on people.” said Mr. Misseri, “Whether a trained therapy dog or a purring lap cat, the emotional connection can become a foundation of trust.”
According to Smithsonaian.com, animals draw out even the most isolated personality, and having to praise the animals helps traumatized veterans overcome emotional numbness. Teaching the dog’s service commands develops a persons ability to communicate, to be assertive but not aggressive, a distinction some struggle with. The dogs can also assuage the hyper vigilance common in vets with PTSD. Some participants report they finally got some sleep knowing that a naturally alert soul was standing watch.
Researchers have found evidence that bonding with dogs has biological effects, such as elevated levels of the hormone oxytocin which improves trust, and the overcoming of paranoia and other pro-social effects.

Camden, NJ outreach April 6th: Sponsor a microchip!

Guardians of Rescue — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:11:58 +0000

Can you give up two cups of coffee to help a dog from the country’s worst city? Guardians of Rescue will be in Camden, NJ helping NJ Aid for Animals as they vaccinate, micro chip, flea treat, and give food out to the much needed animals of this very dangerous city. We are assisting to help make a difference there. If you would like to sponsor a dog for micro chipping you can make a $7 donation and know that you too have made a difference in the life of Camden’s dogs.

National Cat Caretakers Day December 23

Guardians of Rescue — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:45:16 +0000

Guardians of Rescue

Designate December 23

“National Cat

CaretakersDay”

Free Lunch Reception, Pet Food giveaway and Pet Pictures with

Santa Claus at Grady Animal Hospital

(Sayville,NY) Guardians of Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping animals, has officially announced December 23rd as “National Cat Caretaker Day.” The day has been designated in honor of the many people that dedicate their lives to the estimated 70 million homeless and feral cats throughout the world. In an effort to honor all local cat caretakers, Guardians of Rescue invites them to enjoy a free buffet lunch with Santa at the Grady Animal Hospital from noon-4pm. There will plenty of pet food to give away to the caretakers which is generously being donated by Best Friends Animal Society, based in Utah, as well as cat carriers donated by Petsmart Charities to aid the injured and displaced cats of Hurricane Sandy.

”There are so many homeless cats in our society and many people find them to be a nuisance,” explains Robert Misseri, president of Guardians of Rescue. “But we have many people who are dedicated caretakers of these animals. We would like to raise awareness about the great work they are doing and give back to them with a free lunch and plenty of moral support.”

Cat caretakers routinely trap, house, feed, neuter, and oversee the safety and security of these homeless felines. Their compassion, which is at times met with ridicule from the public, leads many of them to go out during the night, even with it cold and dark, so that they can help the animals without confrontation.

”We have a wonderful group of caretakers all over Long Island and beyond who make a real difference in the lives on these animals. Having Best Friends and Petsmart Charities on board is truly wonderful,” added Misseri. “As Gandhi said,”The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

The free hot buffet lunch for all cat caretakers will be held with Dr. Mark Caporaso and his team at the Grady Animal Hospital of Sayville. The Guardians of Rescue will be on hand to distribute the free pet food and provide outdoor cat housing and advice on the care of free roaming cats. Santa Claus will also be there, taking pictures with the pets.

Dog Rescued by US Army Captain while deployed in Afghanistan to arrive in NY on October 24, 2012

Guardians of Rescue — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:49:20 +0000

Rachel is a helicopter pilot stationed in Afghanistan and a Captain in the US Army. In the midst of war, while out on a detail with her unit, the team found an innocent, wounded, and starving puppy in a burn pit/trash pile. He was tossed away to be burned alive. They saved the pup, named him Toby, and nursed him back to health. Unable to keep Toby with them anymore, Rachel and her unit were faced with the unthinkable… Euthanize their best friend, leave him to fend for himself, or bring him home.

Rachel’s family reached out to Guardians of Rescue to help and we sprung in to action. Toby was transferred to The Nowzad Shelter in Kabul, Afghanistan while we raised the funds to bring him home. We finally reached our goal of $5,172.00 (he’s a big boy) and were able to get a flight for him. Toby will be landing in NYC at JFK on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 8:15AM.

Rachel is still deployed, and will not be home until January, 2013. Until she returns, Guardians of Rescue has arranged for Toby to be cared for by Hounds Town – Port Jefferson, where he will undergo a training program to adjust to life here in the United States. When Rachel returns, we will have Toby transported to her in Texas, so they can finally be reunited.

We asked Rachel why Toby was so important to her… her answer was simple “He is a bright spot and joy in a place far from anything familiar.” These dogs are family, reminders of home, best friends and sometimes even protectors. The men and women of the US military deserve our support, and Guardians of Rescue is determined to assist in any way needed. In honor of the memory of the moment where a soldier saves a dog and a dog saves a soldier, we will be there for them.

A group of High School Students in Beverly, MA have jumped on board to help assist us in reuniting Toby and Rachel. The Beverly High School DECA program is raising money and awareness of animals that are found stranded in war-battered areas in Afghanistan and rescued by American Troops. More information can be found on the school’s website: http://www.bhsonline.org. The group consists of seven students who have been working hard to help the cause. They are determined to help cover the cost of Toby’s care here in the US, and his final flight home to Rachel. They are also working with us on several other Military Dog & Cat Projects. We are very proud of them. They are in a national competition, and selected Guardians of Rescue as their group project. We are honored.

If you’d like to help with Toby’s care while he is here in the US and his final transport to Rachel in Texas, please visit www.Guardiansofrescue.org or www.Facebook.com/GuardiansOfRescue. To help the kids at Beverly HS with their project visit and like their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BhsGaurdiansOfRescue?ref=stream.

OPERATION NO BUDDY LEFT BEHIND: SAVE TOBY

Guardians of Rescue — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 02:53:06 +0000

SUPPORT YOUR TROOPS!

Recently while deployed in Afghanistan, a group of soldiers found an innocent puppy in a burn pit, tossed away to be burned alive. The soldiers put themselves at risk by saving the puppy, but refused to let him die. They jumped in to action, saved him, and named him Toby. He is their best friend and source of comfort. He is now 6 months old and we arranged for him to be transported to the Nowzad Shelter in Afghanistan until we raise the funds to bring him home. Once he is safe on US soil, he will be living with one of the soldiers, Rachel. Our goal is to get Toby safely to the US and out of harm’s way and we will have him cared for at Hounds Town Port Jeff until Rachel finishes her deployment in December.

Hemi & Her Puppies

Guardians of Rescue — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 14:06:36 +0000

On Wednesday August 29th, we responded to a call of two pitbulls being kept in horrible conditions.The details kept changing but the gist of the report was a “possibly pregnant pitbull being kept in the basement for a month”. When we arrived we found the Mama and heard screaming coming from the dark basement. There were 11 puppies, one in a drainage pipe, and the basement floor covered in oil and diesel fuel.They were hours old. The puppies and Mother were rushed out of the house and bathed to remove as much of the substance as possible.Many of them already developed open sores from chemical burns.Sadly, yesterday we lost 5 of them. Their lungs were too badly damaged by the exposure. Because of their unexpected arrival, we found ourselves unprepared to care for these precious lives.

We’re asking for donations for this new family. This will help us build a safe and warm enclosure for them, cover vetting, and will also allow us to keep Mama Hemi fed while she nurses her remaining puppies.

Donate to our cruelty fund to help these angels at:
http://guardiansofrescuecrueltycases.chipin.com/guardians-of-rescue-cruelty-cases

Breed Discrimination Strikes Again!

Guardians of Rescue — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 01:06:40 +0000

BSL Strikes Again!

THIS IS AN URGENT SITUATION.

To donate to the cost of legal fees and further investigation to protect Ivy, Duce and Dogs like them, go to this chip in:

http://guardiansofrescuecrueltycases.chipin.com/guardians-of-rescue-cruelty-cases

It was a very sad day for dogs in court today in Sleepy Hollow, NY.

A settlement was reached between the Village of Sleepy Hollow and the dog owner that Duce and Ivy would be released to the Aunt of the owners Fiancé. The dogs were not evaluated for aggression by anyone, but BANNED from the State of NY as dangerous. These dogs never hurt anyone. The alleged dog fight that occurred was minor, and the dog that was “injured” had no major injuries, and the bill was for an office visit only… not stitches, medication or treatment was needed.

There were ONLY 3 complaints made over the mother dog in 2 years. NONE against the puppy at all. There were NUMEROUS complaints made against the owner of the dog for alleged abuse, but none were ever forwarded to animal control by the village.

Basically, this is a case of a town not wanting pit bulls in it, so they kicked them out on allegations from 3 people, with no hard facts.

NO FORMAL EVALUATION OF THE DOGS WAS DONE.

THE OWNER WAS NOT INVESTIGATED FOR CRUELTY.

THE PROSECUTION STATED THIS:

The ACO officer that seized the dogs stated that after meeting the dogs for only a few minutes, it was his informal opinion that if the dogs were released back to the owner, they would eventually become aggressive to people.”

SO…… YOU GIVE THE DOG TO THE FAMILY MEMBER WHO’S HOME THE OWNER IS MOVING IN TO?

There was no hearing. A settlement was made.

Guardians of Rescue is looking in to filing an injunction to stop the transfer of the dogs to CT.

The SPCA in Westchester’s hands are tied, because they have no jurisdiction in the incorporated village.

The property had no fence. The dogs were allowed to roam free. They were not being cared for responsibly. This is a classic case of a mother dog defending her puppy. Neighbors stated that the dog that got in a fight with Duce growled at the puppy who wanted to play…..

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THE DOGS WERE NOT GIVEN ANY EVALUATION FORMALLY, AND TO CALL THEM AGGRESSIVE IS WRONG. THERE WAS NO HEARING & NO WITNESSES CALLED. THE INTEREST OF THE DOGS WAS NOT EVEN REMOTELY CONSIDERED. THE OPINION OF THE ACO IS THAT THEY WERE NOT PEOPLE AGGESIVE, BUT THAT IF RETURNED TO THE OWNER THEY COULD BECOME THAT WAY…… THERE WAS NO HEARING. THIS CASE WAS SETTLED.

Please help save these innocent dogs who would be enjoying a happy life right now were it not for a dad that created a situation that placed them in harm’s way!

What’s new on Facebook…

Guardians of Rescue — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 10:10:20 +0000

Check out our Facebook Wall Photos:

See what we are up to daily by visiting our facebook page. Together we save them!

Timeline Photos

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Operation No Buddy Left Behind: Mission 2

Guardians of Rescue — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 19:09:19 +0000

In the midst of war, a soldier hears a whimper. They pause… and see a dog. The dog is skinny, injured, and looks at them with hopeful eyes. Those eyes are a reminder of the dog they had as a child, they remember their childhood, and their loved ones back home. The soldier then bends down and scoops the dog up, and two lives are saved. In that moment, in all the chaos, amidst all the combat and destruction, a bond is formed.

These dogs and cat were rescued by the men and women that serve our country. They want nothing more than to have the peace of mind of knowing their best friend is safe. Please help us help them.

Sometimes our soldiers, who can’t help saving the animals that have given them so much, are unable to offer them a home in States due to the nature of their service to our country or for other reasons. This weighs heavy on the soldier’s soul, since this dog means so much to them. Nowzad will not turn these rescues away, but the charity then needs to find a home for those who may be left behind. It’s a challenging goal for a charity struggling in a war torn country where these animals are often abused, discarded, or only valued in the miserable “sport” of dog fighting. And now, more than ever before, Nowzad needs our help to meet this goal and ensure that these animals find forever homes With the military pull-out of Afghanistan eminent, we have six remaining dogs and a cat named Buster that need to be removed from Afghanistan as soon as possible. Our goal is to transport these dogs to the United States where they will be safely and lovingly kept at Hounds Town-Port Jefferson. While there they will be put through a training program designed to help them adapt to life in the US, and ready them to join the lives of their new owners.

We are proud to announce that we are committing to rescue the remaining dogs and cats at Nowzad in Afghanistan that are in the same situation as the dogs we brought home for our troops in May.
These last 6 dogs and cat were the battle buddies of our American Soldiers. These men and women deserve the peace of mind of knowing that their best friends are now safe too.

These men and women want to know their best friends have the lives they dreamed for them.

Meet the dogs and cat of Operation Support Our Troops: Mission 2 Buster, Zoe, Cassie, Kara, Pebbles, Malik, & Gracey!

Together we save them!
To donate to our military efforts click here:

http://guardiansofrescueforourtroops.chipin.com/home-again-operation-support-our-troops

or visit:

http://www.guardiansofrescue.org/donate.php

Operation No "Buddy" Left Behind: Mission 2

In honor of our Nations Independence Day... We are proud to announce that we are committing to rescue the remaining dogs and cats at Nowzad in Afghanistan that are in the same situation as the dogs we brought home for our troops in May. These last 6 dogs and cat were the battle buddies of our American Soldiers. These men and women deserve the peace of mind of knowing that their best friends are now safe too. These men and women want to know their best friends have the lives they dreamed for them. Meet the dogs and cat of Operation Support Our Troops: Mission 2 Buster, Zoe, Cassie, Kara, Pebbles, Malik, & Gracey Together we save them! To donate to our military efforts click here: http://guardiansofrescueforourtroops.chipin.com/home-again-operation-support-our-troops or visit: http://www.guardiansofrescue.org Operation: No "Buddy" Left Behind

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Okemo… A soldier’s dog in need of help

Guardians of Rescue — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 14:09:09 +0000

Okemo is still looking for a home to saty in while his soldier puts the pieces of his life back together.

Okemo.... Helping a soldier

This is Okemo.... He was rescued in Bagram, Afghanistan in October 2010 when he was only a few weeks old by a soldier from Vermont. He was matted,infested with fleas, and emaciated. The soldier brought him back to base to nurse him back to health. He had to shave him down completely. The other soldiers gave him the nickname "chemo" because they all thought of him as their little patient. He was brought back to Vermont by his soldier and they were living together and enjoying their lives... but then things changed for them..... When our troops return from war, unfortunately they do not always get the support they need. Okemo's soldier lost his job, and could not find a new one.... he then lost his apartment, and had to move in with family where Okemo can not go. His soldier is trying to put his life back together, and can't care for Okemo right now.... Okemo was sitting at a local shelter for weeks while his soldier tried to figure out something, but it was breaking the soldiers heart that Okemo was in a cage. It was unbearable for him.... He asked for help. His soldier asked that we help find Okemo a new soldier to care for him. Someone who understands how important he is. He says "my buddy is very energetic, loves to run, hike, do anything outdoors, ride in the car, and sleep in bed with you." But we at Guardians of Rescue want to do better than that.... Please help us help this soldier have the peace of mind of knowing Okemo will be ok.... We hope that someone will come forward that can foster him for awhile, in the hopes that Okemo's soldier gets back on his feet. We are supporting the soldier as much as we can while he tries to get his life back. We want him to have more time before he has to give Okemo up forever. It's not fair and these two deserve a chance. In the interim, Okemo is now at Hounds Town-Port Jeff enjoying some much needed exercise and play time. Please email meredith@guardiansofrescue.org if you can help in any way with a foster situation. Together we save them!

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