As a violent storm battered an American base in a desolate part of Africa, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Hope heard a desperate cry outside her door and when she looked out to investigate, a terrified kitten – Gizmo – rushed in and went into hiding. That was the moment she knew she had to act to save the vulnerable cat and reached out to Paws of War for help. Gizmo was abandoned near the base and with nothing around to survive on, her condition rapidly deteriorated. Staff Sergeant Hope and some other soldiers had been doing what they could – making a tiny lean-to for shelter, and sharing their food, but in a very remote area there wasn’t much available to them to help a struggling cat. Gizmo cowered in the makeshift shelter – afraid of the many predators lurking, and would only come out when she heard SSG Hope who she chose as her person. The sweet cat was so thankful to have someone be kind to her that she would bring gifts of bugs, leaves, and pieces of trash – all she could find to say “I love you” to brighten her hero’s day. In turn SSG Hope found comfort in having the little cat around but while she makes her smile, she can’t take her mind off the worry of knowing Gizmo can’t make it on her own when she returns Stateside and the fear in the young cat during the storm served as a reminder.Aside from predators, other starving animals, the daily activities of an active military base and constant moving of heavy vehicles, the brutal weather conditions claim the lives of animals daily. Temperatures routinely reach more than 100 degrees through the day and torrential rains during storm season cause severe flooding and life-threatening destruction. There is nothing for homeless animals, and no way to keep them safe. Staff Sergeant Hope is a hero who has selflessly served our country for over a decade; spending many months at a time away from her family and she has never asked for anything, until now. All she is pleading for is help to save the life of the loving cat who became her best friend and a source of joy so far from home.
Our War-Torn Pups and Cats rescue team is in action as we speak – handling the complex logistics of a rescue mission to such a remote location, alongside complying with extensive CDC import requirements, but to save any of the animals who need our help, we need you beside us. Together we can get Gizmo out of harm’s way.. A kind donation of even just a few dollars today will make it possible to get her to the love and safety waiting for her with SSG Hope here in America.
