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‘Guardian Angels’ Look Out for Soldiers’ Dogs

Network of volunteers provides temporary foster care for dogs and cats.

Posted: January 29, 2009, 5 a.m. EST

Carole Olmedo and Linda Spurlin-Dominik oversee a network of foster home caregivers dedicated to looking after the cats and dogs of soldiers who need a temporary home for their furry friends during deployment.

The nonprofit organization Guardian Angels for Soldiers’ Pet formed in 2005 in Hot Springs, Ark., after the founders learned that military service members across the country were struggling to find people to look after their pets while they served abroad. The mission of GASP is to find volunteers who can provide suitable foster homes while soldiers are deployed, in training, or in rehabilitation.

Since the program was established, Spurlin-Dominik says Gasp has grown quickly

As of Dec. 31, 2008, there were 45 pets in the foster home program. Once soldier and pet are reunited after the foster term, the event is considered a mission accomplished.

Foster care terms average from six to 15 months. In most cases, the dog or cat owner covers related costs, such as food, grooming, and medical when needed.

By supporting the military, veterans, and their beloved pets, Spurlin-Dominik says, the organization does its part to help deployments go more smoothly.

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I have 'rescued" two dogs who were under the "care and supervision" of Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets. Left without any supervision from Guardian Angels or funds, these pets ended up in a home that was NOT right for them-two active labs-crated for 23 1/2 hours. They had a high level of stress and trauma from their experiences. Repeated calls and emails to Guardian Angels at the state and national level did not yield any response! Do NOT leave your beloved pets with this organization. The soldier, Mariella, reportedly gave 2000 dollars for the pets' care, of which none is left. The money had still not be accounted for but was told to her as being gone. These pets have ended up in a shelter as I try hard to find PROPER foster care so she doesn't lose her dogs. She is serving in Afghanistan right now..and will be returning in December of 2009. Be very very cautious about this organization as my dealings with them can all be verified and substantiated and in this one case, was not a positive experience for these dogs. I am in the process of cleaning up the mess Guardian Angels have left behind. They were also blind and resistant to ANY of the information I offered which they could have taken and learned from, but clearly at least some of their members, refuse to do....say a prayer before leaving your pets with this organization!!
stephanie, perkinsville, VT
Posted: 8/10/2009 1:18:07 PM
I have 'rescued" two dogs who were under the "care and supervision" of Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets. Left without any supervision from Guardian Angels or funds, these pets ended up in a home that was NOT right for them-two active labs-crated for 23 1/2 hours. They had a high level of stress and trauma from their experiences. Repeated calls and emails to Guardian Angels at the state and national level did not yield any response! Do NOT leave your beloved pets with this organization. The soldier, Mariella, reportedly gave 2000 dollars for the pets' care, of which none is left. The money had still not be accounted for but was told to her as being gone. These pets have ended up in a shelter as I try hard to find PROPER foster care so she doesn't lose her dogs. She is serving in Afghanistan right now..and will be returning in December of 2009. Be very very cautious about this organization as my dealings with them can all be verified and substantiated and in this one case, was not a positive experience for these dogs. I am in the process of cleaning up the mess Guardian Angels have left behind. They were also blind and resistant to ANY of the information I offered which they could have taken and learned from, but clearly at least some of their members, refuse to do....say a prayer before leaving your pets with this organization!!
stephanie, perkinsvilles, VT
Posted: 8/10/2009 1:16:50 PM
I have 'rescued" two dogs who were under the "care and supervision" of Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets. Left without any supervision from Guardian Angels or funds, these pets ended up in a home that was NOT right for them-two active labs-crated for 23 1/2 hours. They had a high level of stress and trauma from their experiences. Repeated calls and emails to Guardian Angels at the state and national level did not yield any response! Do NOT leave your beloved pets with this organization. The soldier, Mariella, reportedly gave 2000 dollars for the pets' care, of which none is left. The money had still not be accounted for but was told to her as being gone. These pets have ended up in a shelter as I try hard to find PROPER foster care so she doesn't lose her dogs. She is serving in Afghanistan right now..and will be returning in December of 2009. Be very very cautious about this organization as my dealings with them can all be verified and substantiated and in this one case, was not a positive experience for these dogs. I am in the process of cleaning up the mess Guardian Angels have left behind. They were also blind and resistant to ANY of the information I offered which they could have taken and learned from, but clearly at least some of their members, refuse to do....say a prayer before leaving your pets with this organization!!
stephanie, perkinsvilles, VT
Posted: 8/10/2009 1:14:53 PM
Yes, please don't give up on us. In many states, assistance isn't always needed. I work for GASP in Indiana and in the last year I have only placed 1 dog and visited one foster home. Please just know we will always call if you are needed. Thank you so much for signing up! Every potential foster home helps our investors feel secure. We really cannot say thank you enough for just applying. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who supports all the Guardian Angels!
Shalane, Indianapolis, IN
Posted: 4/16/2009 12:29:02 PM
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