Crisis in Afghanistan.
Paws of War is using all of its resources, and a decade of experience rescuing dogs and cats from Afghanistan and the region for troops serving in the U.S. military. We have focused our efforts to save the many dogs and cats currently stranded in Afghanistan. We have been contacted by soldiers who were forced to leave their rescued pets behind, and are currently working on options for these pets. We are coordinating with other NGO's on several aspects of this complex rescue operation and negotiation. Due to safety and security concerns, we are currently limited as to what details we can divulge.
The situation in Kabul is changing every minute. What we can confirm is Jeremy, one of the soldier’s dogs, was not allowed to fly out and is now one of the dogs at the Kabul airport desperate to be rescued. The dogs currently at the Kabul Airport are comprised of private military contractor working dogs, pets, and rescues. There have been statements that the Taliban, who in the past has committed atrocities against dogs, wants to utilize these working dogs for their own purposes. Many people are now concerned that the loose dogs roaming the airport are at risk of being killed by the Taliban. To our knowledge there are no U.S. owned Military Working Dogs that were left behind. Throughout this ordeal, we have been contacted by soldiers who were forced to leave their rescued pets behind, and we are currently working on options for these pets.
Derek Cartwright, the stateside logistics coordinator for Paws of War gave us his thoughts. "As someone who has been in Afghanistan and served in the 82nd airborne, I know what the soldiers are going through who had to leave dogs like Jeremy behind. This will stay with the soldiers forever, if the dog cannot be saved. After leaving the 82nd airborne due to a parachuting injury, I went to the State Department and worked for three generals. I am using all my resources and experience in this most difficult challenge we’ve ever had"
Furthermore, two of the major obstacles we face that are hindering the rescue efforts are the CDC ban on importing dogs from Afghanistan, and the cooperation between the Taliban and U.S. State Department to provide safe passage in and out for non-governmental organizations. If the Department of State included these humanitarian rescue missions in its efforts, these flights could save hundreds of people as well as animals. We are counting on the State Department in good faith, to have the Taliban allow rescue efforts to collect the dogs at the airfield with no resistance.
Currently, we are running over 20 missions outside of Afghanistan to save dogs and cats for U.S. troops. These troops have rescued these fur-babies while serving overseas and are desperate to get their animals to safety in the U.S., including one that just arrived in the states yesterday.
Biscuit Is Safe In The U.S.
With your overwhelming support, we were able to get Biscuit safely to the U.S. last night for PFC Taylor of the U.S. Army. Biscuit is the sweetest most loving dog who just loves to be pet and hugged. He is currently at our Paws of War facility, waiting to be reunited with the soldier who saved her. Biscuit is now safe from the dangers she faced overseas.
Paws of War would like to send out a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has reached out to us by phone, email and social media.The outpouring of support means so much to us and makes a difference. We wanted to send an update to address what we know to be true facts, what we are working diligently on and our accomplishments. We are asking our supporters to be patient, keep the people and animals in Afghanistan in your thoughts and prayers, and we will keep you updated
Photo Credit: Paws of War
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