Pet Care Programs Applauded This Memorial Day

Hot Springs, AR, May 21, 2009 – While millions of Americans will be paying tribute to our veterans and remembering those serving today around the world, one innovative organization will be honoring and remembering them in a much different way. Like they do every day of the year, the volunteers and foster home caregivers of Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet will be assisting those soon to deploy to harm’s way in locating/placing their beloved pets into loving and safe homes across the country. The organization’s ultimate goal is to ensure that military service members are reunited with their pets upon returning home to the United States.

“Our military service members sacrifice so much for our country,” said Linda Spurlin-Dominik, Co-Founder/CEO of Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet. “Through our programs, it is our hope that we can help cut down on the anxiety and uncertainty of deployment and, at the same time, say “thank you” for their service and sacrifice.”

“Though the majority of those deploying will have family members or friends to care for these beloved pets the organization will be there to assist those who don‟t,” said Sally White, National President. “We believe having their pet there when they return from oversees is an important part of reintegration and healing.”

A Soldier’s Story

Major Randall G. Baucom knows the value of the organization firsthand. “When I was facing deployment to Iraq in 2006, I was going through a very difficult time in my life,” said Major Baucom. “Iraq was only the beginning of it.”

In addition to his impending deployment, Major Baucom was dealing with a divorce and coping with the death of his mother. He was alone and did not know anyone who could properly care for his two dogs, Buster and Little Girl. Then he heard about Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet. He quickly moved to place his dogs with a Guardian Angels foster family.

During Major Baucom‟s 15 months in Iraq, a team of foster families cared for Buster and Little Girl. When he returned to the U.S. in January 2008, his dogs were waiting for him, safe and sound.

“It was really a special reunion,” said Major Baucom. “After so many changes in my life, my dogs were there to give me a kind of steady support that I couldn‟t find anywhere else.”

How to Help

Because of the efforts of people like Linda, Sally, and the individuals opening their hearts and homes, military service members like Major Baucom know that their pets are being cared for in a safe environment while they are overseas. For more information on providing a foster home, becoming a volunteer, or making a donation to Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet, please visit www.guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org