Guardian Angels For Soldier's Pet
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August 15, 2012
We had a family emergency and within 6 hours a foster family was found for our dog Bear. The Maguire family emailed me very quickly and told me about their dogs and sent pictures. They also offered to pick up Bear from the kennel so he would only have to stay there up to two days. The family was in contact with me the entire time and kept me updated on how Bear was doing. When it was time to come home and get him they offered to bring him to our house (another 3 hour drive for them) but I said they have done more than enough and went to pick him up. The Maguires were there and were more than friendly with me and Bear came home with more manners than he left with. I am more than happy with this organization and would recommend it to ANYONE!
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 8, 2012
I was getting ready to deploy and the home that was watching my 3 year old Dalmatian was no longer able to... I was given about a month to find a new place for him to stay....after doing a little research on google I found the Guardian Angels for Soldiers' pet website and submitted an application, with in a few days I recieved a call for a potential foster home and a few weeks later handed Jasper over. I just got back not very long ago and I could not have asked for a better home to watch Jasper he was so well taken care of and loved it melted my heart to see that their are people out there that care so much!!!
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 1, 2012
I recently finished a foster of a wonderful pit bull names Tyson. Tyson's owners, Desirae and Nik, are both in the Air Force and were being deployed at the same time. They were getting pretty nervous as they could not find a good situation for him when GASP matched us up. Tyson was with me for about six months and became a wonderful addition to my pack of two dogs and two cats. Though big and energetic he is truly a sweet and loving dog. I feel honored to have been able to help out two people who sacrifice so much to serve our country. I also feel I gained two new friends in the experience. Thank you for the wonderful work GASP does!
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
April 10, 2012
I happened to be at an animal shelter one day with a friend when a sailor walked in to turn in her dog as she was being deployed the next day and couldn't find anyone to take care of the pup. It was obvious she was heartbroken so I told her I'd take the dog and network her out to a more long term foster as my hands are already full with rescues/rehabs. Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets stepped right up and offered to find a suitable foster home for this girl. The owner is ecstatic that she'll still have her beloved girl when she returns from overseas instead of having to wonder what happened to her in a shelter. The dedication of the coordinators for GASP is simply astounding and, as a Navy wife, it's comforting to know we have options should I find myself needing assistance while when my husband's deployed.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
March 6, 2012
We are the second foster home for a cat whose owner was deployed in 2011. As it turned out, she wanted to be the only cat in the house and her previous foster home already had cats. I was so impressed with the care GASP and the previous foster took in getting the cat to a more favorable environment. Volunteers set up a relay to transport her to us and made sure to contact her owner and ease his mind. I cannot imagine having to face giving up a pet for a temporary deployment so we are thrilled to be able to keep that from happening even for one soldier. The volunteers are dedicated to the cause and I would highly recommend this to anyone with love to give as a volunteer, or for a soldier in need of care for a pet. A bonus for me has been "meeting" other volunteers through social media and hearing their funny stories, and just being part of this amazing group. Thank you!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
March 5, 2012
I recently fostered a pit bull rhodesian mix for a young soldier. I have to say it was the best experience...not only did I get a beautiful loving dog but I made a new human friend as well. Thank you GASP for giving me the opportunity to help. I would love to do it again.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
March 4, 2012
I have been a Foster Mom for two pugs, Sasha and Jake for 5 months. It has been the most rewarding experience not just for myself, but for my husband and other dogs. I have become very close friends with their Dad who is deployed in Afghanistan until 10/12 and this new friendship and the love of these dogs is amazing. I wanted to do something special for our Service Members and this is this best way for me since I am disabled and on limited funds. All I need to give is love!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
March 4, 2012
My experience is a little different then most of GASP volunteers. First, I hunted out an organization that would allow me to foster, and Second, I have had fosters for Deployed, Returning and VA/Retirees. Many years ago, I had to give up my 9 year old cat that I had since she was weaned because I could not find a place to live that I could afford to rent and that would also allow my Puckett to move in. Luckily the county I live in had a very helpful rescue group that was able to place her for me. This experience nearly broke my heart, and I determined that when I was able to, I would find a way to foster so that someone else would not have to go thru it. So, I found GASP and applied. I was quickly accepted, but it took a little time to find my first fur babies - I have had 5 Foster Kitties to date! The first MSM I fostered for was 14 mth deployment to Afghanistan. The second family was returning from Germany and military temp housing did not allow cats. I had their two babies for a few months. My current foster is a single pure bred whose mom is receiving VA assistance. I LOVE this group!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Not a DARN thing!
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
I could admit that I am selfish and find that having an animal in the house is something that I really enjoy and is good for my mental health. At my age I don't want to commit for a 16 or 20 years animal, so a kitten won't do. So I choose to support a group that supports a group that helps keep us safe. I open my home so one less home has to potentially lose a loved one!
March 4, 2012
I submitted my application to Foster and within a week got a call to foster two Dobies, who's Mom was being deployed. It was so rewarding and a pleasure to have them. On the countdown now. Will miss them so much. GASP is a wonderful program that a lot of Soldiers and Sailors are very gratefull to.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 27, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I am an active duty soldier in the U.S. Army and had received orders for Honduras. After reaching out to friends and family, with no luck; I came across GASP and submitted a request to find a temporary foster home for my two cats while i was out of the country. Within a week they found a match and I was able to PCS without a worry in the world. My foster family and I utilized their standard contract and modified it to a mutual agreement.
Four years prior when I was shipping off for basic training the same situation occurred. Under the pressure with a looming "ship off date" I had no choice but to place my cats in a long term boarding home which cost me $350 a month. Had my recruiter been aware of GASP then I could have utilized that money to pay off outstanding debt. I find it sad that organizations similar to GASP are not able to be easily recognized by the Armed Services and disseminated from the top down so everyone is aware of the options that are available.
I am not knocking the resources that are already established to assist service members but to know that an organization like GASP has existed since the Gulf War and that my recruiter was not able to provide me their name as an economical solution to finding a temporary home for my two cats is incomprehensible. Somewhere at the top, within the walls of the Pentagon, there has to be an office that organizations can contact through which their services can be offered to not only existing service members but recruits and retirees as well.
I am so impressed with the services that GASP has to offer that I am now committed to volunteering and attempting to spread awareness of their organization; or should I say, OUR organization. As a soon to be promoted E5/Sergeant, I find it my responsibility to make other service members aware and to asset them when they have a need such as I had.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the fact that they provided a temporary foster home for my two cats while I PCSed to Honduras.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Not a single change. They have ONE MISSION and it fils a void for existing service member. Sad thing is that incoming personnel may not be made aware of this organization ONLY because the recruiters are NOT aware. How many qualified service members are NOT enlisting because they can't find a temporary foster home for their beloved pet(s)?
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
CraigsList
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
To volunteer on their behalf because it fills a void within the needs of existing service members and incoming personnel.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
February 11, 2011
I'm a single male who left for Basic Training back in '07 and could not find friends or family to provide a temporary foster home for my two cats. At the last minute before leaving I found a boarding home that had an opening. I ended up for almost a full year, as I completed my basic and advance training for the Army, paying the equivalent of a car payment every month to make sure I was going to get my two cats back. I was also making an actual car payment too; you can imagine as a Private how challenging this was. The years after found me with my own place so I was able to take care of my two cats. Then Uncle Sam send me on a Short Tour for one year and so I reach out to the boarding home this time with no luck; filled to capacity. I sent an e-mail to GASP who put me in touch with the regional director for the MD/DC area and they had a couple who recently volunteered. After going though the meeting process which are very well layed out ahead of time it seemd like a perfect match. The couple and I were able to come to a financial agreement which helped me out favorably and they were able to have two more furry bundles of love in addition to the two they already owned.
GASP had provided some "back up" suggestions in case this didn't work out for me and I think it is very realistic for one to expect that it's not always going to work out. If you think about the various aspects of everything involved, ie: Are there pets already in the Foster Home? Will those pets get along with your? Some families can only care for one type of pet; dog/cat. Does the area you live in have enough Foster Volunteer Homes? Have you started your search in advance to allow for the meet and greet to make sure your pets or the Foster Family are comfortable with one another?
I'm amazed with the success rate for GASP and the "Army" of Volunteers who understand this unique service they are providing to us service members. I Solute You!!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
They were able to contect me with a Foster Family for my two cats while I was sent abroad for one year.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Attempt to get more state and regional coordinators. I was lucky, but if I remember correctly, not every state had one. Some larger states need multiple coordinators. This is the important link to matching needs with foster homes.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
Internet search
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
To volunteer my home once I am in a stable situation to put other service members at ease while they are deployed.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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