Being away from home and your loved ones can be difficult. This is especially true for Sergeant Etter, an American Soldier. Soon, she will be making her way back to the United States. She has been stationed in the Middle East for some time now. Unfortunately, this could mean saying goodbye to Mau and Phantom, whom she saved during her deployment.
The military base that Sergeant Etter is stationed at encourages stray cats to roam the property. The cats have a special purpose; a form of pest control. This was of benefit to everyone involved. But at some point, there were kittens born to one of those cats.
Credit: Paws of War
Two of these tiny fur-babies hold an incredibly special place in Sergeant Etters heart.
And she does not want their story to end there.
Mau and Phantom were around 8 weeks old when they were found starving and neglected. Unable to look the other way, Sergeant Etter decided to take care of them. She quickly fell in love and they soon became the highlight of her daily routine. For several months, the three of them have bonded. Saying goodbye just isn’t an option.
Credit: Paws of War
“Since we are far from home and have been there for each other over the last several months, Phantom and Mau have really touched our hearts,” Sergeant Etter said. “They made us feel more like our best versions of ourselves whenever we would see them at the end of the day.”
But now, the base that Sergeant Etter has been stationed at is closing and she will have to return back to the United States of America.
What does this mean for the future of these two kittens?
Credit: Paws of War
A non-profit organization, Paws of War, will step in and save the day! But they need your help to prevent that sad goodbye from happening. They provide assistance to military members and their amazing pets. The process can be costly but is not impossible!
“Anyone who has been to this area of the world knows of the harsh and cruel conditions that these cats could endure if they are left behind,” Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War, said via news release. “We will do everything we can to bring the cats home for Sergeant Etter. We know we have the logistics to do it, but we need the public to help with the expense of making it happen.”
Credit: Paws of War
The efforts include finding people who can help transport on ground. Next, they will ensure that the cats have proper medical documentation. Lastly, covering the high cost to fly the cats internationally.
“I am beyond happy that Paws of War is willing to help us save these two precious animals,” said Sergeant Etter.
The conditions under which the cats would face, if left behind, could be unbearable.
“We will do everything we can to bring the cats home to Sergeant Etter,” explains Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “We know we have the logistics to do it, but we need the public to help with the expense of making it happen.”
Credit: Paws of War
Paws of War is dedicated to making a difference for Sergeant Etter, as they’ve done for many heroes.
Helping Soldiers bring their pets back to the U.S. is not all they do! They also assist in rescuing and training therapy dogs and pair them with veterans in need.
In 2019, they were able to help U.S. Soldier Timothy Boyd bring his rescued puppy, Misha, home from Afghanistan.
Courtesy Paws of War
Now, they would love to do the same for Mau and Phantom! They have touched so many hearts already! Be honest, who would not want to see them live out their fur-ever with Sergeant Etter? No doubt, they deserve a fur-ever full of love, treats, and happiness.
If you’d like to donate to Paws of War on Etter’s behalf, you can do so here.
Paws crossed that Mau and Phantom make it home with Sergeant Etter!
