Smithtown, NY - May 19, 2015 - To combat the harsh statistics involving animal cruelty cases each year in the country, Guardians of Rescue, a nationwide animal rescue organization, developed an investigation unit to personally look into reported cases of animal abuse. One such dog investigated was Molly, a tri-colored pitbull, who is now being paired with United States Marine Billy Ventura, a paralyzed patriot.
“Molly is a very special dog who sadly faced a rough beginning in life,” states Dori Scofield, vice president of Guardians of Rescue. “Now, she’s much happier and healthier and eager to bond and play with Ventura.”
A Guardians of Rescue investigator first spotted Molly’s abuse when she was seen being hit and kicked while out on a run with her owner. The Guardians of Rescue team paired up with Suffolk County SPCA to arrange for Molly to be removed from the home and a criminal investigation is being launched against the abusive owner.
Molly was quickly found to be an excellent candidate for Guardians of Rescue’s Paws of War program: training rescued dogs to become service companions for veterans in need. U.S. Marine Corporal Amanda Knepper, who is also a veteran in the Paws of War program with her service dog Roxy is fostering and assisting with the training. Molly will soon be ready to be paired off with Billy Ventura.
USMC Lance Corporal Billy Ventura has faced difficult times recently. While on leave at Fort Drum, he was involved in a motorcycle accident on Long Island. Following the accident, a passing motorist ran over Ventura, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down with very little chance of being able to walk again.
"I love being with Molly,” says Billy Ventura. “We have both been through a lot and I look forward to our life together.”
“Billy and Molly have already met and hit it off instantly,” states Scofield. “Molly is young and her spirit hasn’t been crushed by the events in her life. We’re hoping that she can transfer that hope and spirit to Ventura. Together, they will be an unstoppable pair.”
To learn more about Guardians of Rescue or to donate to the Paws of War program, please click here.
About Guardians of Rescue
Based in New York, Guardians of Rescue is an organization whose mission is to protect the well being of all animals. They provide aid to animals in distress, including facilitating foster programs, rehabilitation, assisting other rescue groups, and providing support to families, both military and not, who need assistance due to economic factors. To learn more about Guardians of Rescue, please click here.