Animals have a special and salient power to heal those who hurt. As “man’s best friend”, dogs are one of the many animals who qualify to be service animals due to their unconditional love and intelligent companionship.
Based in Nesconset, Paws of War knows the capabilities of what love can do between dogs and humans all too well. The organization known for “helping both ends of the leash” is truly admirable.
Paws of War rescues dogs from all over the country, including from local shelters, and places them with veterans and first responders who are looking for service dogs or companionship.
Veterans and first responders place applications with Paws of War detailing their personal and medical needs, as well as personal details such as housing and familial situations. These applications are then reviewed by volunteers at Paws of War who are focused on finding the right dog for each and every applicant’s individual needs.
Even with only one location, in Nesconset, volunteers of Paws of War travel throughout the country to rescue dogs from harmful and abusive situations. “We don’t buy, we don’t breed. So, we are getting these dogs, they’re coming out of horrific, horrific situations. Houses of horror,” says Robert Misseri, the Founder of Paws of War.
Misseri explains how some of these dogs are rescued from brutal situations and brought straight to the veterinarian to get the help they so desperately deserve. Once the dogs are healthy and ready to find a forever home, they are matched with an applicant who can properly handle the dog’s needs, and who can also benefit from the companionship of the specific dog. “We help them build a bond like nothing else.”
Robert Misseri founded Paws of War in 2014. Since then, he and his team of volunteers have rescued more than 455 dogs, and places them with hundreds of veterans and first responders as service animals or companions. “I’ve seen veterans suffering on Long Island, it was heartbreaking knowing twenty-two veterans a day, take their own life. Knowing how dogs can make changes to someone’s life like no other motivated me to make sure that any veteran in need can come to my program and get a life changing dog,” explains Misseri.
Once a dog is matched with an applicant, they can get approved to go into training, completely free of charge. Paws of War has their own training facility that will teach everything from basic companionship and obedience to multi-level service and alert capabilities. Talented and profession dog trainers work every day with both the human and the dog to improve their quality of life.
“You could be a very healthy veteran or first responder and coming to adopt a companion. Or you could be somebody who is in need of a service, you may have PTSD or something going on where you need a service at home.” Misseri explains that no matter what your situation is, PTSD, a TBI, or simply just need a companion, Paws of War is happy to help every step of the way. “Once a dog is placed, they have this wonderful opportunity to train together.”
Rob Weisberg, a 9/11 first responder with PTSD from the horrific event, was paired with his furry best friend, Chip through Paws of War. Together, they train to support each other. Chip learns to pick up stress signals and intervene, when necessary, while Rob provides a happy and healthy home for Chip. “Because others at Paws of War understand what it is like to have PTSD, it provides me a safe place for me to be me,” says Weisberg. According to Paws of War, not every serviceman or servicewoman reacts the same to a dog intervening in a flashback or anxiety. Because of this, the organization provides therapists who will work with them to identify the best way for the dog to mitigate and provide aide.
Misseri and Paws of War also love participating in various community events, attending over 500 since 2014. This past weekend, Paws of War sponsored a 5k run where volunteers, veterans, and community members came out to support the organization, even in the rain.
Erin Conlin, and her family ran the 5k for Paws of War at Heckscher Park in Islip. “It was such a nice event,” said Conlin, of Northport. “We love doing things in our community and are so proud to be running for such a great cause.”
There is no shortage of dogs or veterans who can benefit from Paws of War. However, the process of making it happen can be a difficult one for a small team. “We need more people to get involved,” says Misseri. Paws of War is currently looking for support from their Long Island Community. This could come in the form of volunteers, corporate partnerships, local donations, etc. “We have plenty of people looking for companions. It’s everything else that is challenging. Getting the dog, getting the dog healthy, getting them here and training them. All those other ancillary things that we have to do to put that dog into that individual’s hands. It’s costly, it’s expensive, it’s time consuming. So, the more support we can get, the more awareness, is helpful.”
There is zero cost to our local heroes for the services that Paws of War supplies. It is important that they have the awareness and support to continue to grow and help hundreds more veterans, first responders, and dogs. Not only does Paws of War help both ends of the leash, in many cases, they save both ends of the leash.
If you are interested in donating or supporting Paws of War, please visit here.
If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved, please visit here.
If you are in need of a companion or service dog, please visit here.
