While serving overseas, Army Sergeant Webb encountered a small stray puppy in desperate need of help.
Among a group of strays, the scrawny black and brown pup was the weakest, struggling to survive. Webb couldn’t bear to see her suffer, so she stepped in, caring for the puppy and naming her PupPup. Despite her military duties, she made sure PupPup was safe and well-fed, forming an unbreakable bond with her.
However, when Webb’s deployment ended earlier than expected, she feared she would have to leave PupPup behind. The thought of abandoning the puppy she had cared for so long was unbearable.
Determined to bring PupPup home, Webb reached out to Paws of War, a nonprofit organization that helps military personnel reunite with the animals they’ve rescued overseas.
“I’m desperately asking Paws of War to help me bring my beautiful, helpless PupPup back to America with me because I can’t stand the thought of leaving her behind,” Webb wrote in her plea. “This place can be incredibly harsh on dogs, and I fear she won’t survive. We have formed such a strong bond that means everything to me. I can’t turn my back on her and would be forever grateful for the help to get her home.”
Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War, quickly took action. “We got on the ground while [Webb] was still serving,” Misseri told The Dodo. “She had about a week and a half before she had to leave, so we knew time was running out to get PupPup to safety.”
The team arranged for PupPup to receive veterinary care, including vaccinations, and secured a foster home where she could stay in quarantine before traveling. Despite facing challenges—including four canceled flights—PupPup finally made it onto a plane bound for her new home.
The reunion between Webb and PupPup was nothing short of emotional.
“She didn’t believe it was real until PupPup was finally there,” Misseri said. “She has called me every day since, telling me she still can’t believe PupPup is with her. She said it would have weighed heavily on her heart if she had been forced to leave her behind.”
Now, thanks to Webb’s determination and the efforts of Paws of War, PupPup is safe and sound, living the life she deserves—right by her rescuer’s side.
