This is the story of an adorable, button-nosed cat. His delightfully grumpy-looking face earned him the name “Mr. Grumpuss” and the Navy officer who cared for him while she was stationed in Bahrain.
Mr. Grumpuss via Facebook
As you can see, he has the cutest, squishiest face surrounded by soft, plushy fur. But when he was rescued by U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms Dawn Patterson, he was in poor health, People reports. And it wasn’t long before the two became fast friends. This was Dawn’s fourth deployment in the 17 years since she joined the Navy.
“His grumpy face always makes me smile,” she says. “He is my security blanket.”
But Problems Arose
When it was time for her to return to her home in Virginia, she’d hoped to bring Mr. Grumpuss with her. But logistical problems got in the way, according to Paws of War.
Dawn Patterson via Facebook/Paws of War
Paws of War is a nonprofit that helps reunite military members with their pets and a representative for the organization told me in a Facebook message “We are happy to say Mr. Grumpuss’ mission has been funded,” and added they will be sending additional updates soon.
The sad fact is, military members often have to leave their beloved pets behind once their deployment comes to an end.
“This is a nightmare that nobody who has pets would want to experience,” said Paws co-founder, Robert Misseri, in a statement.
“We were lucky to have someone foster the cat while we work to raise the funds and make the arrangements to safely get Mr. Grumpuss home and reunited with his Navy officer,” he said.
Mr. Grumpuss via Paws of War
In the days leading up to the announcement of his homecoming, Patterson voiced hopes that she would soon be reunited with the cat who helped her get through the trauma of war.
“His little Grumpy face is always looking up at me when I walk in the door after a hard day at work. His grumpy face always makes me smile. He is my security blanket I will be so appreciative if Paws of War can help bring him back to me. My baby must be lonely and confused,” she says. “So I know he will be just as thrilled to see me.”
Image via Paws of War
Patterson Steps Up To Help Bring Her Boy Home
The organization notes Patterson has been helping however she can to bring her boy home.
“She’s working tirelessly with Paws of War to help keep the wheels churning so Mr. Grumpuss can be reunited with her and live out his life safely here in America. Named for the grumpy-looking adorable face he has, Patterson won’t feel at peace until he’s back with her.”
It’s so wonderful that organizations like Paws of War work to rescue stranded pets. These cats and dogs are a lifeline for the military members who help them overseas, providing love and comfort in a situation that’s often dangerous and horribly stressful. Bringing animals like Mr. Grumpuss home ensures their safety. Having a loving companion at home provides comfort for service members and it’s really lovely to know that after all he’s gone through, Mr. Grumpuss will have plenty of love and attention.
Because that precious, squishy face needs regular cuddles. Who could possibly resist?
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Mr. Grumpuss Comes Home
This sweet cat must have missed his humom so much, but I’m happy to say he landed safely at JFK airport, in Queens, New York, where he and Dawn were reunited. And she was very happy to see her fluffy baby again.
Images via Paws of War
“I am so thankful Mr. Grumpuss is home! He is my security blanket, and seeing his grumpy face everyday just makes me smile!”
But as they visited New York City, Dawn says the pizza in New York is really good. Aalthough Mr. Grumpuss was not particularly impressed. He may not be a pizza aficionado, but we can now say he’s safe at home in Virginia. Now his days will be filled with the love and security he deserves, his illnesses a thing of the past.
Groups like Paws Of War do so much to help reunite service members with the dogs and cats they love. If you’d like to donate, go here.
Featured images: Screenshot via YouTube/Facebook: Paws of War
