Sergeant Stormy, who bonded with a starving puppy named Jasmine while deployed in February 2025, was diagnosed with bone cancer in August and returned to the U.S. for treatment at Walter Reed. The nonprofit Paws of War arranged Jasmine’s rescue and legal transport from the Middle East at no cost, with logistics lead Derek Cartwright traveling to secure her passage. On Dec. 7, Jasmine was escorted to Pennsylvania by a motorcycle color guard for an emotional reunion that now provides Stormy with companionship during chemotherapy and recovery.
Veteran Battling Bone Cancer Reunites With Puppy He Saved While Deployed — Emotional Homecoming
Paws of WarSergeant Stormy and his dog Jasmine reunite.
United States Army Sergeant Stormy — who formed a bond with a starving stray puppy while deployed overseas — was reunited in early December with the dog he named Jasmine as he undergoes treatment for bone cancer.
Paws of WarJasmine as a puppy overseas
From A Bunker Bond To A Lifeline At Home
When Sgt. Stormy encountered a tiny, starving puppy in a bunker during his February 2025 deployment, the connection was immediate. He named the dog Jasmine and the two became close during his service. Months later, in August, Stormy received devastating news: a tumor had been discovered in his knee and he was flown home to the U.S. for care.
Paws of WarJasmine is delivered to Sergeant Stormy's home in Pennsylvania
Treatment And A Longing For Jasmine
Stormy was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he began chemotherapy and is preparing for surgery. Throughout treatment, thoughts of Jasmine stayed with him — and gave both him and his family something to look forward to during an uncertain time. "Thank goodness he found this puppy dog because she’s been giving him something to look forward to," Stormy’s mother said.
Paws of WarSergeant Stormy reunites with his dog Jasmine.
How Paws of War Brought Jasmine Home
Paws of War, a nonprofit that rescues dogs for veterans and first responders and provides service-dog support at no cost, coordinated Jasmine’s rescue and legal transport from the Middle East. Derek Cartwright, a U.S. Army veteran and logistics coordinator for Paws of War, personally traveled to the region to secure Jasmine and navigate the paperwork required for international relocation.
Paws of WarSergeant Stormy's family and friends support the family during the emotional reunion.
After Jasmine arrived in the United States, volunteers arranged a special escort: the God Bless America Motorcycle Color Guard accompanied her to Sgt. Stormy’s home in Pennsylvania. On Dec. 7, Stormy’s parents led him to the driveway, where family and friends gathered for what the organization described as an "overwhelmingly emotional" reunion.
“I’m so happy to have Jasmine here with me and so grateful for everything Paws of War did to make it happen,” Stormy said. “It’s a difficult time in my life, but having her by my side certainly helps.”
Companionship During Recovery
Now by his side, Jasmine offers constant companionship and emotional support as Stormy continues chemotherapy and prepares for surgery. The reunion underscores the powerful bond between service members and the animals they rescue — and highlights how organizations and volunteers can make a meaningful difference at no cost to the veteran.
Read the original report on People.
