Paws for Purple Hearts

Helping Vets by Saving Pets

No pet should cross the Rainbow Bridge too soon; especially because of money. That was imperative in Kal-El Prestel’s case because his dog dad is deployed to Africa.

The Chocolate Lab is one of many pets Helping Paws has worked diligently to save the past two weeks. Since 2013, we have helped 2,668 dogs and cats and are proud to say all but a handful had a happy ending.

This was the first time we were dealing with a superhero.

“Kal-El [is] the birth name of the coolest superhero ever, Superman, aka Clark Kent,” SFC Joshua Prestel explained.

Helping Paws helps keep service members like Prestel united with their pets by providing low and no-cost veterinary care for troops and veterans in need. Without our 501(c)(3), a lot of military families would face the heartbreaking decision of premature relinquishment, or worse, economic euthanasia.

Prestel is among our nation’s bravest as an elite Army Special Operations Civil Affairs soldier.

In July, the people watching Kal-El could no longer care for him. Prestel paid to send him from the east coast to his sister in San Diego. What happened was harrowing.

“After a nightmare experience with a pet shipping company by car, Kal had to be rushed to the emergency vet and was in critical condition,” he explained.

Doctors suspect Kal-El was lacking food and water for days and likely suffered a heat stroke. He was bleeding out of both ends as organ failure sank its clutches in.

One look at his desolate eyes, and death seemed imminent.

“The medical expenses racked up extremely quickly,” he explained via email. “Into the 10s of thousands of dollars. I simply cannot keep him [in] the hospital any longer.”

Euthanasia seemed inevitable, but losing his best bud without saying goodbye would be unbearable. We immediately covered the cost of intensive treatment. Staff cradled his drooping head all day and closely monitored him. In what seemed like a miracle, Dr. Caitlin Sacco stabilized his heart rate, turned his vitals around and brought him back from the brink of death.

“That is seriously so amazing, and it helps tremendously,” SPC. Prestel said. “I’ve been speechless with the support.”

Kal-El was transferred to a clinic with overnight care, and we connected Prestel with additional resources. The pup proved true to his name and regained strength.

“He [seems to] be getting much, much better,” a hopeful Prestel reported. “I am hoping tomorrow night my family can take him home and start giving him love.”

Doctors continued treatment. “[He] hasn’t kicked the pneumonia yet, but that is his only issue at this time thankfully,” Prestel explained.

During the same time period, we helped save four gravely ill and injured pets whose families could not afford treatment. All veterans had been discussing euthanasia as the only option.

Prestel is also an Air Force veteran. He currently works with leaders to dismantle violent extremist organizations. They utilize negotiating skills, cultural awareness and foreign languages to help people. As the type of soldier who wears civilian clothes, Prestel knows a thing or two about a secret identity. He fights evil to protect vulnerable people caught in crisis zones, which we think seems reminiscent of a certain superhero.

Kal-El’s super strength was no match for the pneumonia that infiltrated his lungs. Prestel recorded a voice message telling his four-legged son he loves him.

We accept cases like this knowing we might not be able to fundraise to recoup funds because our efforts are unwavering. Part of what makes us unique is that we do not turn animals away when the outlook is not good.

Sadly, Kal-El is one of the pets we helped who crossed the Rainbow Bridge, but not because of money.

This Winter, Prestel will return to a quiet home, but we helped give his boy his best shot at survival when he was rendered helpless. Until then, Prestel’s selfless Superman-esque mission of “Truth, Justice and the American way” continues despite his heartache.

It is a life chock-full of sacrifice. Kal-El may have been Prestel’s hero, but Prestel is ours, and we will always fight to serve those who serve our country.

ABOUT US

Craig J. Mohnacky, DVM, started Helping Paws to give back to our veterans. We operate out of three animal hospitals in a county that’s home to the world’s largest military population. Many vets are plagued by post-war battles. Pets are a source of comfort for vets with Post Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety. They have a way of unlocking the mental shackles of war. Some vets have said they would have ended their life without our help.

WHAT VETS ARE SAYING

”Hannah Jaime was so helpful with our case and made sure we got help for our fur baby. You really did save my fur baby's life, and we appreciate you so much.” -Nova’s Mom

“Our family is so thankful for Helping Paws. If your pet is in need, and you're looking for your last chance this is it. We are so happy to have our baby home with us.” -Gunner’s Dad

“I feel very fortunate, and the help couldn't have come at a better time. You and Helping Paws have saved the day.” - Arnee’s Dad

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Interact with us on social media Interact with us on social media Donate at www.facebook.comGive in-kind donations /helpingpawssandiego Give in-kind donations Be a corporate sponsor Be a corporate sponsor Give 0.5% of purchases on AmazonSmile Give 0.5% of purchases on AmazonSmile Leave your legacy by including us in your will Leave your legacy by including us Join our Board of Directors in your will Join our Board of Directors

The average case costs around $1,000. We rely on community support. Visit us at www.helpingpawssandiego.org