A Holiday Miracle: Soldier with Bone Cancer Reunited with the Dog He Rescued While Deployed Overseas

When U.S. Army Sergeant Stormy was deployed overseas, he encountered two unexpected things. First, he came across a starving stray dog that needed help. He immediately bonded with her, named her Jasmine, and the two of them became inseparable. Second, he started experiencing knee pain, which led him to be diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 20. Now, Paws of War just in time before the holidays has reunited the two of them in America, making the reunification both a birthday gift and holiday miracle that Sgt. Stormy will never forget.

"This is a story that has touched many hearts, and we all wanted to ensure the mission was a success," said Derek Cartwright, U.S. Army veteran and international logistics coordinator for Paws of War. "We are grateful to everyone who helped make this mission possible, so that Jasmine and Sgt. Stormy could be back together again.”

Once diagnosed with bone cancer, Sgt. Stormy was flown back to America for treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. One thing that remained on his mind through it all, however, was his best friend that he had to leave behind in the Middle East. He worried about Jasmine's well-being and feared that something bad would happen to her in such harsh surroundings without him. She was barely hanging on when he discovered her, and he nursed her back to a healthy, vibrant dog who always wanted to be by his side.

Paws of War stepped in to help ensure that Jasmine would be brought to America, where she could be with Sgt. Stormy. Cartwright personally made the trip to ensure that Jasmine arrived in the U.S. safely. After getting through all the red tape, they made it back safely, and on the Sgt. On Stormy’s birthday, the two were reunited at his home in Pennsylvania. They were escorted by the flying flags of the God Bless America Motorcycle Color Guard, adding honor and ceremony to an eagerly anticipated homecoming. Sgt. Stormy's parents brought him outside to their driveway, right to the spot where Jasmine would arrive and where his family and friends were already waiting.

The reunion was overwhelmingly emotional for everyone, and the connection between the two was evident. Jasmine is now bringing comfort to Sgt. Stormy provides him with a sense of strength, unconditional love, and hope as he continues his cancer treatments. She is there to help him when he needs it most, just as he was there for her when she needed it most.

“I’m so happy to have Jasmine here with me and so grateful for everything Paws of War did to make it happen,” said Stormy. "It’s a difficult time in my life, but having her by my side certainly helps.”

Paws of War focuses on helping active duty soldiers and veterans in a variety of ways. They have helped relocate the rescued pets of overseas military members. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has a large, loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs. To donate to help their missions, visit their site at http://pawsofwar.org.