Lifestyle Pets Animal Nonprofit Looking to Reunite 23 Animals with Military Members in One of Its 'Largest Rescues Ever' "These pets helped us emotionally, and we have an amazing bond," one U.S. Army specialist said By Nicholas Rice Nicholas Rice Nicholas Rice is a Senior Editor for PEOPLE Magazine. He began working with the brand as an Editorial Intern in early 2020, before later transitioning to a freelance role, and then staff positions soon after. Nicholas writes and edits anywhere between 7 to 9 stories per day on average for PEOPLE, spanning across each vertical the brand covers. People Editorial Guidelines Published on April 13, 2024 08:00AM EDT Close Various solders with the dogs they adopted while overseas. Photo: Courtesy of Paws of War An animal nonprofit is looking to reunite various military members with animals they bonded with while serving overseas. Earlier this week, Paws of War — a nonprofit organization that "assists military members and their pets, rescues and trains dogs to be service dogs, and provides companion animals to veterans and first responders," per a release — put out a call for help for what it describes as "one of their largest pet rescues ever." Paws of War said it is now trying to relocate 18 dogs and three cats adopted by U.S. Army National Guard members who were recently stationed in a remote area of Eastern Europe. A solider with a dog they adopted while overseas. Courtesy of Paws of War The mission, per Paws of War, "must be completed quickly because the remaining soldiers are leaving and returning to the States." "They cannot bear to leave their best friends behind in an area where they know they will not survive the harsh conditions on their own," the nonprofit added. "The soldiers reached out to Paws of War to see if they could help move them to the U.S., where they could live with the soldiers who adopted them." Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. A solider with a dog they adopted while overseas. Courtesy of Paws of War Animal Nonprofit Looking to Reunite Sergeant with Cat He Bonded with While Serving Overseas Per Paws of War, the rescue of the 21 animals is a "complicated mission" that involves "making the necessary travel arrangements and ensuring all paperwork is processed correctly." "The animals all need vaccines, veterinary care and rehabilitation, which is costly," the organization said. A solider with a dog they adopted while overseas. Courtesy of Paws of War Soldiers Hoping to Rescue Paralyzed Dog, Named Tiny Tammy, from the Middle East: It's 'Heartbreaking' In a statement, Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War, said, "This rescue is really putting a strain on the organizations resources, but we can’t let these animals and these soldiers down. It will take a lot of effort, time and logistics, but we will do everything we can to make it happen." U.S. Army specialist Amelia, meanwhile, added of the pet they adopted, "I’m already back in the U.S. and worry about Peja not being here with me. I won't feel better until she's here with me and the other soldiers' sweet buddies are safely reunited. These pets helped us emotionally, and we have an amazing bond." Those looking to make a donation to Paws of War's "largest rescue mission ever" can do so by clicking here.