Sgt. Nico, an overseas soldier currently deployed, faces a challenging mission that holds deep emotional significance for him. He has become the caretaker of a puppy named Mia, who was found in a desperate situation outside his military base. According to a statement he sent to the nonprofit organization Paws of War, this experience has proven to be one of the most difficult aspects of his deployment. Nico, who chose to remain anonymous for privacy reasons, has dedicated his efforts to ensure Mia’s safety and eventual transport to the United States.
Nico’s first encounter with Mia was profoundly alarming. Upon discovering her frail form outside the base, he was struck by her dire condition. “We don’t know how she’s even surviving based on what is available for her,” he expressed in his heartfelt communication. In that moment, his instincts kicked in. He provided her with food and water, fearing for her welfare. Nico described Mia as “very scared,” a feeling that resonated deeply within him. As he prayed for her recovery overnight, the uncertainty of her fate weighed heavily on his heart.
The following morning brought a glimmer of hope when a fellow soldier alerted him that there was a dog outside the gate crying. To his shock and relief, Nico found that the dog was indeed Mia. “She started wagging her tail and letting out these little cries. It broke my heart,” he recalled. Nico further emphasized that Mia brought sadness to everyone on the base, prompting them to care for her. “We knew in our hearts we just couldn’t ignore her,” he shared, illustrating the strong bond that had quickly formed between them. Mia quickly became a constant presence in his life, following him around as if she saw him as a paternal figure.
Recognizing that Mia had likely lost her parents, Nico felt a profound sense of gratitude that she found her way to him. “She certainly found her way into my heart,” he affirmed. Distance from home never weakened his familial ties. Each day, he would video-call his wife and children back in the U.S., where he recently introduced them to Mia. This introduction delighted his family, especially his son, who had longed for a dog of his own. “Our FaceTime conversations shifted away from me and focused only on Mia,” he said, showcasing the joy that Mia brought to his family’s lives, even from afar.
Mia quickly solidified her role as a source of comfort not only for Nico but for other team members at the base. “She became my shadow everywhere I went,” he remarked. Their bond blossomed as they shared daily routines, bringing a sense of normalcy to an otherwise tumultuous environment. The comfort Mia provided was invaluable, especially given the high-stress circumstances of military life. As time went by, the soldier and his family became increasingly eager to bring Mia home.
In a proactive attempt to secure Mia’s future, Nico reached out to Paws of War for assistance in safely transporting the dog to the U.S. Co-founder Robert Misseri expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to making this dream a reality, saying, “I can’t think of anything more rewarding” than reuniting Nico and his family with their new companion. Misseri further emphasized that leaving Mia behind would result in a “slow death sentence” for her, given the precarious circumstances she would face without Nico.
With the clock ticking, Nico echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that Mia would go from a life of care and affection back to the dangers of the streets. He articulated the gut-wrenching reality of her potential fate, stating, “There is nothing left for Mia” in the war-torn region. He expressed, “I cannot imagine leaving her knowing she will be left behind.” This emotional connection to Mia underscored how entwined their lives had become; she had become part of his family, nourishing his spirit in challenging times.
Paws of War, the organization committed to rescuing and relocating the beloved pets of U.S. service members, has successfully facilitated the safe return of over 600 dogs and cats to America. With the support of donors, they aim to continue their mission of compassion (donations can be made at their website, pawsofwar.org). As Nico prays for a successful outcome to this mission, his hope is not just for Mia’s safety but also for the love and normalcy she represents within his military life. The journey of both Nico and Mia is a testament to the strong bonds that can be formed in the unlikeliest of circumstances, bringing solace amid the chaos of deployment.