Posted on Apr 24, 2014
How do you handle leaving your animals/pets while you are deployed?
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I haven't deployed yet but i would like to hear from soldiers who have. If you have animals, do you have family to take care of them or do you have to leave them behind ? Do you give them to the animal shelter or a family member ? If you could have a place that took care of them while you were deployed would you let them ? Did you want to leave them behind and did you get them back after your deployment was over ?
I'm starting a blog about this so your answers will be very beneficial.
I'm starting a blog about this so your answers will be very beneficial.
Posted in these groups: 
Deployment
Animals
Deployment Animals
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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I had my parents take care of my cat that I have had since 1991. (deployed 2005-2007; 22 month; OIF). I did want my cat back and parents would gladly give him back to me. But on the day prior to my return back home, my parents informed me that he was in the corner gasping for air and foaming from his mouth (not rabies; he was an indoor cat) and they were taking him to the vet. I was hearbroken. And a couple hours later, my parents called me back informing me he passed away. A little over a day away from being with my cat again.
Still miss my cat
Still miss my cat
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SGT William B.
That sucks sir. I had something similar happen to me. My parents took care of my sheltie that I had since 1996. Poor guy was deaf, almost blind, and was having a lot of arthritis-related issues. I told my dad if the dog dies, do not, under any circumstances, tell me until I get back.
Well, I get back, and my sister picked me up. She waited to tell me before we got to my parent's house that my dog had to be put down just before Christmas (I got back in May). I swear, the only time I've ever cried so hard was when my mother passed away. People who don't have pets don't understand the bond that you can have with a dog or cat.
Well, I get back, and my sister picked me up. She waited to tell me before we got to my parent's house that my dog had to be put down just before Christmas (I got back in May). I swear, the only time I've ever cried so hard was when my mother passed away. People who don't have pets don't understand the bond that you can have with a dog or cat.
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CPT Brandon Christensen
Totally agree with you. It was a very strong bond I had with my cat. Tried getting "replacements" but wasn't the same. Wish I could have a cat again, but my son is allergic to them, so gave them up. Maybe when he moves out in 15 years I will get a cat again :)
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There is a place out here in Southern California that will watch a service members dog long term. I can't recall the name of the place right now but they are extremely reasonable in their prices. I took my dog there when I went on leave for two weeks and he had a great time.
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SPC Felts, great question, I recently learned of this through a business contact; definitely a service that could help out service members with pets. https://guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org/ https://guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org/programs/foster-home/
Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet — Supporting Our Military, Veterans and their Beloved Pets...
Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet is a national all-volunteer 501(c)3 Military and Veteran Support Organization assisting active duty service members, wounded
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SGT (Join to see)
thank you for posting this, i visited the animal shelter a couple months back and the number of dogs that were from soldiers who didnt have a place for them was shocking. I wish they would advertise this around animal shelters more
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SFC Paula Greene (Haney)
I was going to suggest this group also. Someone I was stationed with at Fort Bragg used them during a 6 month deployment and recommended them to me, before my parents agree do keep my pets. I completely agree with you that services like this should be more accessible, since not all of us are lucky enough to have immediate family members who are able to take them in while we are gone.
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LT Jessica Kellogg
There is also
Www.dogsondeployment.org
In addition to placing animals with foster families for deployment, they also runs weekly campaign called end military pets on craigslist. Based on the fact that military pets placed on Craigslist or taken to the shelter often have a bleak future. Additionally, this trend can make it harder for other service members to adopt a pet.
Www.dogsondeployment.org
In addition to placing animals with foster families for deployment, they also runs weekly campaign called end military pets on craigslist. Based on the fact that military pets placed on Craigslist or taken to the shelter often have a bleak future. Additionally, this trend can make it harder for other service members to adopt a pet.
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