Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets -- Because Your Dog Can't Join the Army

Soldiers, Marines, military men and women . . . they signed on for it. They even want to go. They want to serve their country and protect our freedoms. But still, when they are sent into combat, or on a peace-keeping mission, they leave all their loved ones behind. Even the four legged ones. Thousands of pet dogs and cats are surrendered to shelters each year because there was no other option. It's a heartbreaking situation a soldier shouldn't have to face.

Up to now, military people had to find a family member or friend who could take a pet in; give the pet away and lose ownership; or surrender the pet to a shelter and the possibility of euthanasia. Enter Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets (G.A.S.P), a group of volunteers who find homes for pets left behind and keep them healthy and safe until soldiers come back. While our contemporary heroes may have to be in harm's way, at least they should not have to worry about losing their pets.

The Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets (G.A.S.P) organizes a nationwide network of foster homes for pets of military personnel who are going to be deployed, or who have an unforeseen emergency hardship. Soldiers can apply to GASP for assistance with their pets, and the Guardian Angels will make sure soldiers will be able to reunite with pets and still retain ownership.

G.A.S.P. carefully screens and selects foster "pet parents" and then works with these "Approved Foster Home" volunteers. They make sure each pet has a safe, loving, caring environment while a soldier is away serving our country. It's a comfort to soldiers to look forward to coming home to a healthy pet. In this ABC News clip, you can witness a pet and soldier reunion.

If you are a soldier or a vet who needs assistance with a pet . . .

If you're going into combat, on a peace keeping mission, or have an unforeseen emergency hardship, contact the Guardian Angel's program about finding a foster home for your pet.

Click here to "Submit A Pet"

If you have room in your heart and your home to foster a hero's pet . . .

You can become a Guardian Angel. This pet foster home program would not be possible without you and others who are carefully screened, selected and chosen for the honor of caring for vet pets.

Click here to "Foster a Pet"

Click here to make a contribution or find out how to help.

ABC News clip: Providing Puppy Love for Soldiers

Crying Dogs Welcome Soldier Home (YouTube)