Paws of War Rescues Dogs from Tennessee Puppy Mill and Find New Homes for the New Year

As the year came to a close, three puppies Zoe (Female), Blue and Buzz (Male) and two three-year-old adult dogs Rusty (Male) and Penny (Female) rescued in October from a life-threatening puppy mill in Tennessee found new homes for the new year with veterans and first responders, thanks to Paws of War. After their rescue, Paws of War successfully shut down the Tennessee puppy mill and the dogs were rushed to their out of state foster for medical care and rehabilitation. Once they were deemed healthy, they were brought to NY to find their forever homes. They were officially adopted just days after Christmas at Paws of War headquarters in Nesconset, creating a meaningful and emotional end-of-the-year moment for both the animals and the families.

Among the adoptions was Dog Penny, a three-year-old female, was adopted by Margaret and Tom Ward of Northport. Margaret is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. She is a nurse with more than 20 years of experience and has worked closely with EMTs in hospital settings. She has also volunteered with Paws of War for the past two years, conducting home visits for adopting families, making this adoption especially meaningful.

The adoptions reflect Paws of War’s mission of helping both ends of the leash by rescuing dogs and cats from dangerous and life-threatening conditions and pairing them with veterans and first responders, many of whom face personal, emotional, and psychological challenges. For more than 11 years, the organization has seen how rescued animals provide comfort, focus, companionship, and support, including those living with PTSD and other service-related struggles. The dogs and puppies were adopted at no cost, and every family received more than $300 in supplies, including crates, food, leashes, collars, and other necessities.

Puppy Buzz joined the family of Christopher and Brittany Prizeman of East Rockaway. Christopher has served as an NYPD officer for 15 years and currently works overnight patrol shifts in Ridgewood, Queens. Brittany is a nurse who works from home completing homecare assessments. The couple brought their children to Paws of War believing they were simply visiting puppies, a visit that became a lasting family memory when Puppy Buzz officially became part of their family.

Puppy Blue was adopted by David and Penny Tierney of Patchogue. David is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served stateside during the Gulf War and Desert Storm, spending time aboard a Coast Guard Cutter in Virginia, attending diesel mechanics school in Yorktown, serving on an 82-foot patrol boat in Montauk, and completing his Coast Guard career in East Moriches. In the 1990s, he also worked the Haitian Exodus crisis in Virginia. David is also a firefighter with the Patchogue Fire Department and served as Chief for eight years from 2014 through 2022. Penny is also a volunteer firefighter. The Tierneys had been seeking a small companion dog, and Puppy Blue was ideal for them and their home.

Dog Penny, a three-year-old female, was adopted by Margaret and Tom Ward of Northport. Margaret is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. She is a nurse with more than 20 years of experience and has worked closely with EMTs in hospital settings. She has also volunteered with Paws of War for the past two years, conducting home visits for adopting families, making this adoption especially meaningful.

Dog Rusty, also a three-year-old female, was adopted by Linda Mata of Smithtown. Linda is a U.S. Navy veteran who, during her service, was responsible for transporting captains and other personnel from ship to ship. Rusty now joins her as a trusted companion and source of daily comfort.

Puppy Zoe was adopted by Mary and Christopher Chiofalo of Smithtown. Christopher is a retired NYPD officer who served for 20 years, including being stationed in Astoria, Queens, and serving during the September 11 attacks, a period that placed extraordinary strain on the department, officers, and the city. Puppy Zoe now becomes part of the Chiofalo family as a source of connection, stability, and support.

“These adoptions show exactly what helping both ends of the leash means,” said Robert Misseri, founder of Paws of War. “We rescue animals whose lives are at risk and place them with veterans and first responders. Some of these heroes are facing challenges of their own. The bonds that form between the dogs and their new owners help the animals recover and they give our heroes comfort, stability, and a sense of purpose that they need.”

The October rescue of the Tennessee puppy mill dogs and their placement with veteran and first responder families underscores Paws of War’s continued commitment to saving lives on both sides of the leash. As the new year begins, five dogs now have safe, loving homes, and five families welcome companions who will provide comfort, love and meaningful support.

To support the important mission of Paws of War, visit www.pawsofwar.org.

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