War Zones + Wagging Tails: Cesar Millan Joins the Mission to Save Soldiers’ Dogs

In tough economic times, charities like Paws of War feel the squeeze while trying to carry out their life-changing missions. The nonprofit, dedicated to rescuing and reuniting military personnel with the animals they saved while deployed, is facing an urgent plea from two U.S. Army National Guard members. They’re desperate to bring their beloved rescue dogs home. 

World-renowned dog behaviorist and New York Times best-selling author Cesar Millan is even stepping up to help, calling on the public to rally behind this mission before it’s too late.

Cesar Millan’s Call to Action

Paws of War offers hope for the animals and military members it helps. And while the organization is working tirelessly to reunite many rescued dogs and cats with the military members who saved them overseas, two cases are especially urgent. The organization needs immediate support to help bring home Specter, a dog rescued by U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant Connor, and Tiny, the beloved pup of U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant First Class, North.

“We are a pack, and as dog people, we have to learn how to work together and help each other,” says Millan, who founded the Dog Psychology Center in California. “In the end, it is all about saving or helping the life of a soldier or a dog in a tough environment. That dog still managed to provide a different kind of service.”

The original host of The Dog Whisperer television series, Millan understands just how deep the bond between humans and their pets runs. He recently shared a heartfelt video on YouTube, encouraging his followers to donate to Paws of War and help save two dogs currently stranded overseas.

“I have this knowledge I gained from all of these years helping dogs and families around the world,” he says, “and we must do what we can to help humans and animals in need.”

Specter and Tiny were rescued by Connor and North while stationed in Southeastern Europe. These dogs, abandoned and struggling to survive the harsh winter, found a second chance thanks to these soldiers, who gave them food, shelter, and companionship. But when deployment ended, leaving them behind was heartbreaking. That’s when the men turned to Paws of War for help.

A Race Against Time

Paws of War is doing everything possible to secure safe transport for Specter and Tiny, but time is running out. They’re urgently asking for donations to fund this critical rescue effort.

Unfortunately, the current economy isn’t making things easy. Charitable giving has declined, with NPR reporting in mid-2024 that inflation has led many Americans to cut back on donations. Even so, the Paws of War team remains determined. They know the dogs wouldn’t give up on their soldiers, so they aren’t giving up on them.

The Story Behind Paws of War

Founded by Robert Misseri, Paws of War started as a small operation helping a handful of soldiers reunite with their rescued pets. It has grown into a major initiative, saving over 100 animals a year. Beyond overseas rescues, the organization also supports veterans with suicide prevention programs, service dog training, and even food and veterinary care for pets in need.

But getting animals out of war zones is no simple task. 

“Getting the animals out of war zones is a huge challenge, as you can imagine,” says Misseri. “And once we have the animals, it’s difficult and expensive to find a qualified veterinarian. Even when all the paperwork is perfect, getting flights that can accommodate an animal and U.S. agency rules and restrictions are complex and also costly.” 

These missions are expensive and time-consuming, but they feel it is their duty. “We are committed to not making a soldier serving their country, who has already sacrificed so much, have to face the trauma of leaving their dog behind,” Misseri shares. 

A Soldier’s Best Friend

For soldiers like North and Connor, these dogs were more than just strays — they were their lifelines during deployment.

North remembers the first time he saw Tiny: “The dogs were abandoned outside the front gate, and the puppies were all so helpless,” he shares. “One of them was especially small and shivering; I was immediately attracted to this pup, a beagle mix, and called her Tiny. We spent every day together. She became my best friend.” 

Connor had a similar experience with Specter: “It’s so sad seeing how dogs are just thrown away like garbage in many places overseas,” he says. 

“These dogs have no hope. Specter and I developed such an emotional connection. Throughout the deployment, I was so worried that she was going to have to go back on the street and fight to survive. Once I was able to reach out to Paws of War and knew there was an opportunity to get her home, I was so relieved. It’s been hard being apart, but at least I have hope. It will mean the world to me if she makes it to my home here in Georgia.”

Both soldiers are incredibly grateful for Paws of War’s work. “Paws of War has been great throughout this whole process, and I hope they will be able to complete this rescue mission,” says Connor. “The work they do is amazing and such a great thing for our troops.”

North adds, “If anyone can offer any kind of help whatsoever, I would thoroughly appreciate it. I can’t imagine Tiny having to survive on her own out on the streets; I know she would not survive long.”

Why These Rescues Matter

Cesar Millan firmly believes that the connection between soldiers and their rescued animals is both profound and healing. “Soldiers have their own families, but when they are at service, they need to create a different kind of family,” he explains. “Somehow, a dog can come in, help us fill that void, and provide us that sense of companionship and profound connection.” 

Millan has long advocated for the therapeutic benefits of dogs, especially for people facing high-stress situations. “For soldiers, when they are on a mission, they face life and death,” says Millan. “But dogs always represent life.”

How You Can Help

Donating is one of the most direct ways to support Paws of War, but there are plenty of other ways to help, too. “Something as simple as sharing our social media posts and stories help build awareness and support for our heroes and our mission,” says Misseri. “We appreciate each and every effort people make to support our mission.”

To learn more about Paws of War, donate, or get involved, visit www.pawsofwar.org. If you’d like to donate specifically to the rescue efforts for Specter and Tiny, visit this direct link.

With the dedication of Paws of War, the generosity of supporters, and advocates like Cesar Millan lending their voices, these efforts continue to change lives — both human and animal. And at the end of the day, who doesn’t love a good underdog story?