Operation Meeboon: From Barracks to Forever Homes in a Mission of Mercy to Reunite Rescued Cats from Asia with the U.S. Soldiers Who Saved Them

Paws of War is desperately working to relocate a mother cat and her babies to the U.S. soldiers who have adopted them

Being deployed overseas can be difficult for those in the military and those waiting back home. It can be a lonely situation that leaves soldiers missing home. One way some of our deployed military members find comfort is in rescuing stray animals, such as U.S. Army officer 1LT Jess did. Deployed overseas in Asia, she noticed a cat hanging around her barracks, waiting for her to arrive each day. Little did she know that she would bond with the cat she named Meeboon and commit herself to helping her recover and move to the U.S.

"This is a special case that involves a mother cat, her three kittens, and the soldiers who fell in love with them all," said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. "We are honored to help get these four cats moved to the U.S. to live with the soldiers who have adopted them, but we need the public’s help to make it happen.”

Meeboon, who was worthy or had merit, was given the name because she was so kind. She has a gentle nature and a happy demeanor that makes it easy to bond with her. Before long, 1LT Jess noticed that Meeboon was limping and looked disheveled. Knowing there are many dangers in the region for cats and that she had to fight daily to stay alive, she became concerned.

When 1LT Jess saw Meeboon lying down and in distress, she felt helpless, because there was no veterinarian near the base. Not knowing what to do, she tried to comfort her the best she could with food, water, and keeping her safe. As she sat with her, she realized that Meeboon was giving birth in the alleyway. She gave birth to three beautiful kittens, but remained in severe distress, which prompted 1LT Jess to search online to find help. That's when she found Paws of War and reached out to them for emergency assistance.

Jumping into action, Paws of War had a team at the site within a few hours, and they took Meeboon to a foster home. She continued to be in distress, and the foster rushed her to the closest veterinarian an hour away, where they learned she still had an undeveloped kitten inside of her that had to be medically removed. Once cared for, Meeboon and the kittens were taken care of by the foster, and they are now awaiting being moved to the U.S. so they can be with the soldiers who have adopted them.

“I have always loved animals. I was always more of a dog person, but the kind, gentle

loving nature of this cat made me realize I had to save her, and then when she had the babies, I knew we had to save them all,” said 1LT Jess.

The U.S. soldiers who adopted them are eagerly waiting for their arrival in the U.S. Paws of War is working on the red complex paperwork, regulations and travel arrangements to make it happen. Still, they need financial assistance from the community to help cover the costly venture. People chipping in to help support such missions is the only way they can continue helping soldiers in this way. To donate to help support the mission, visit the site at: https://pawsofwar.org/?form=Meeboon

Paws of War focuses on helping active duty soldiers and veterans in a variety of ways. They have helped relocate the rescued pets of overseas military members. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has a large, loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs. To donate to help their missions, visit their site at http://pawsofwar.org. 

About Paws of War

Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists military members and their pets, rescues and trains dogs to be service dogs, and provides companion animals to veterans and first responders. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site at http://pawsofwar.org.