U.S. soldiers deployed in Gaza to support the ceasefire discovered 10 abandoned dogs and chose to rescue them after forming close bonds during their mission. The pups were malnourished and infested with ticks and worms, but with help from Let the Animals Live in Israel and SPCA International’s Patriot Pets program, they received medical treatment and were prepared for transport to the U.S.
The Patriot Pets program, active since 2008, helps service members bring home animals they connect with overseas through a months‑long process of vaccinations, testing, and customs clearance.
One of the rescued dogs, a six‑month‑old pup named Smokey, has already been reunited with service member Kenneth Hamill in Texas and is settling in well with his new family.