A deployed US airwoman had her Christmas wish fulfilled thanks to a nonprofit that undertook a special holiday delivery—rescuing the stray cat who stole her heart.
US Air Force Technical Sergeant Tracy was stationed in the Middle East when she found a kitten on her base and named it Walter. The orange tabby offered comfort to the woman so far from home, but as the end of her deployment neared, she couldn’t bear to leave him behind knowing he risked starvation or euthanasia.
To save Walter, she turned to Paws of War, a veteran-led nonprofit based in New York. The organization specializes in rescuing animals bonded with US soldiers during deployments. These rescues often involve significant logistical and financial challenges, including plane tickets, medical procedures, and extensive paperwork to comply with international regulations. The cost of such operations can reach as much as $10,000.
Walter’s rescue mission was a success. In time for Christmas, he arrived first in New York, where Paws of War volunteer and US Army veteran Dereck Cartwright took charge of his journey. Driving all the way to New Hampshire, Cartwright delivered Walter into the arms of Sgt. Tracy’s husband, ensuring a joyful reunion for the family during the holiday season.