Guardian Angels save soldiers' pets

Photo: AP/Luis Benavides

Who looks out for soldiers' pets when their work carries them away from home to look out for us? 

The men and women of the U.S. military are often forced to rely on family or friends to care for their pets while they are away fulfilling their patriotic duty.  For someone without loved ones willing or able to help, or when even the best laid plans go awry, dropping off his beloved pet at a shelter before leaving for war has often been the only alternative for some soldiers.

Now there is help available.  Guardian Angels for Solders' Pet (GASP)  is an all volunteer 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization that aims to prevent soldiers from having to face this dilemma.  Formed in 2005 in Arkansas, GASP now has chapters in several other states to assist military service members, their spouses, veterans, and their pets by matching the soldiers' pets with foster homes.  Foster homes sign a contract to care for the pets for up to 24 months while their owners are deployed or facing a hardship.  There is no cost to the soldiers, other than the cost of any needed veterinary care and basic food/supplies for their pet.  Upon the soldier's return, the foster home gives back the pet to its owner. 

Not only are the soldiers able to keep their pets, but they are able to receive progress reports while they are away from home, helping to ease their minds about the welfare of their pets.  Foster homes remain in contact with their fosters' owners by mail, photos, phone, email, and even blogs.

For more info: If you are a soldier in need of a foster home for your pet, or if you would like to donate or volunteer your time to help soldiers' pets, you can obtain more information about Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet at guardianangelforsoldierspet.org.