Deployment and Pets

I'll admit, I hadn't given any thought to this. I forget that not all single soldiers live in barracks, especially National Guard or Reserve soldiers, and that there are couples where both are in the military.

Pets become war casualties

There is a shelter on Fort Bragg that takes in strays but is not taking pets that are surrendered, Shannon Lynch said. She is a spokeswoman for Womack Army Medical Center and Fort Bragg veterinary services.

There are private groups that help military families, Lynch said, and efforts are under way on post to set up a foster program to help deployed pet owners.

That means local shelters are trying to find homes for pets.

The Haven is getting between eight and 10 requests a day from military pet owners who are trying to find a home for their pets, Speer said.

Some owners are looking for temporary homes — families that will foster pets until the owners return. Others, Speer said, have no choice but to give up their pets for adoption.

“We’re desperate for people who are willing to do long-term fostering,” Speer said, “especially those who are willing to adopt older cats and medium to large dogs.”

How sad. The very last line though, nearly brought me to tears-

“We really have to solve this problem as a community,” she said. “It is unacceptable that the last thing a soldier does is put an animal to sleep before going to war.”

This just breaks my heart. If you are able and willing, would you please consider supporting our troops by fostering or adopting a military pet? Call your local military installation (don't forget about the National Guard!) and local no-kill shelters and see if there is anything you can do to help.

I know I don't usually ask my family and friends to do stuff like this, but with as many of you that are pet owners already, I didn't think you'd mind.

Thanks.