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A heartwarming holiday rescue mission by Nesconset-based Paws of War has saved a cat from euthanasia in the Middle East, bringing him to Long Island just in time for the holidays.
The organization’s War-Torn Pups and Cats rescue team successfully transported Walter, a cat belonging to U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Tracy, to their headquarters in Nesconset. Due to security and anonymity concerns, the organization could not disclose the sergeant’s full name.
The rescue is the latest in a series of missions by Paws of War, which reunites military personnel with animals they befriend during deployment.
Beloved by the soldiers
Walter had become beloved on the military base, where he spent time with TSgt. Tracy and other soldiers, providing comfort to service members who are far from their families.
TSgt. Tracy, currently serving her second overseas tour in her decade-long Air Force career, found and rescued Walter during her deployment. The cat, not yet one year old and still a kitten, was malnourished and struggling to survive among larger, more aggressive local felines when Tracy took him in, according to Paws of War.
The rescue mission became urgent when Walter faced the possibility of euthanasia. Paws of War’s team arranged for his safe transport to their Long Island facility, where he will stay until Tracy returns to the United States in the coming weeks.
Best buddies
[Waleter] captured the hearts of everyone on base with his gentle, friendly nature,” Paws of War said in a statement. “Walter has become an important source of companionship for both TSgt. Tracy and her fellow service members.”
Top photo: TSgt. Tracy and Walter the cat.
