The nonprofit Paws of War helped Okinawa-based Lance Cpl. Michael Casillas reunite with Margaery, his husky-shepherd mix. (Paws of War)
After six months apart, Lance Cpl. Michael Casillas finally welcomed his dog, Margaery, to Okinawa last month with help from a nonprofit that assists military families with the often costly and complicated process of moving pets overseas.
Casillas arrived at Camp Courtney in January for an assignment with Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. Soon after settling in, he discovered that bringing his 3-year-old husky-shepherd mix to Japan would be more difficult than expected.
“What surprised me most was how expensive pet transport can be, and luckily, we were able to receive help,” he said in response to questions emailed July 28 by division spokespeople. Casillas was on temporary duty outside Japan when Stars and Stripes requested the interview.
Paws of War, a nonprofit based in Nesconset, N.Y., raised $3,000 to fly Margaery to Okinawa, according to an email Tuesday from Paws of War spokesperson Cher Murphy.
The charity helps service members, veterans and first responders through programs that include pet transportation, adoptions, foster care and veterinary assistance, according to its website. It has helped more than 950 military members and is rated four stars out of four by Charity Navigator.
“Many times it’s a timing issue,” Derek Cartwright, an international logistics coordinator for Paws of War, said by email July 29. “They get sent overseas on short notice. Japan has extended quarantine requirements and regulations for pet import.”
Transporting pets overseas can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the animals’ size, airline and required veterinary services. Additional expenses often include vaccinations, health certificates and local registration fees.
The nonprofit Paws of War helped Okinawa-based Lance Cpl. Michael Casillas reunite with Margaery, his husky-shepherd mix. (Paws of War)
“Snub-nosed breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers are restricted or banned by most major commercial airlines from traveling in the cargo hold due to severe respiratory risks,” Murphy wrote. “Some larger breeds face challenges due to size constraints.”
While Margaery remained in Hesperia, Calif., with a foster family, Castillas and his wife checked in every day by video call.
“The phone calls my wife and I had with Margaery were so special to us because we got to keep in touch with her,” he said. “They were also hard because we missed having her here with us.”
The reunion finally came July 19, when Margaery arrived on the island after six months apart.
Casillas said he hopes other service members preparing for overseas assignments begin planning for pet transportation as early as possible.
“My advice is to be proactive when it comes to the permanent change of station pet transportation process,” he wrote. “Don’t wait to start the process until after getting to your new duty station.”
AloJapan.com