While stationed overseas in Kosovo last year, Sergeant Kelsey and his army unit were often comforted by a stray dog Sgt. Kelsey had affectionately named Duke.
Kelsey never forgot about Duke when he came back home, and was determined to get the pooch out of danger, and into a better life.
Kelsey worked with the New York-based charity Paws of War to help Duke to America, and even sent an emergency vet team to save Duke's life after the dog had accidentally been shot.
After six months of care and rehabilitation, Duke was able to walk again, and that was when Sgt. Kelsey received a message from Dereck Cartright, a veteran and logistics coordinator for Paws of War.
The message read, "We are thrilled to be able to tell you that after months of healing and rehabilitation, Duke has made a tremendous recovery. He is ready for the next part of his journey."
And now Duke is just a month away from reuniting with Sgt. Kelsey. He told Good News Network, "The entire Army unit is so excited that Duke is coming home," said Sgt. Kelsey. "This is the moment we've prayed for."
Homeless Dog That Comforted Troops Overseas is Being Transported to America to Live With One of the Soldiers https://t.co/K85QSC0cAN
— Travis Akers (@travisakers) April 11, 2022
Paws of War has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the cost of Duke's flight to the U.S, as well as his lifetime medical care.
"We are happy to help them with this mission and hope that many people in the community will want to support it as well. We can't do it without their support," the organization said.
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