Nowzad Dogs’ chief mission is to bring back to the U.S. the dogs and cats that brought comfort and support to soldiers in Afghanistan so they can live with their owners. Since 2009, Nowzad Dogs has transported more than 250 dogs to the United States, Canada and the UK. The organization was started by Pen Farthing, a former British Royal Marine who served in Afghanistan and witnessed firsthand the extraordinary bond forged between soldiers and the dogs they befriended.

Today, American Airlines announced that it is assisting Nowzad Dogs American Dog Rescue and PRAI Beauty with reuniting soldiers with the dogs they cared for while on military duty.

The announcement was made at JFK where the soldiers were united with their dogs. (See attached list of soldiers, their hometowns and the name of the dogs.) “Bringing their pets home to them from overseas is an important way to recognize the sacrifices made by our soldiers, and American Airlines is glad to be able to help make it happen,” said Captain Steve Blankenship, Managing Director – Veterans Initiatives for American Airlines.

The nonprofit organization, American Dog Rescue, was founded by Arthur Benjamin in 2009 as an all-volunteer group for which he underwrites all administrative costs. Because Nowzad Dog is not a recognized 501(c)3 in the United States, ADR contributes donations designated for Nowzad on the American Dog Rescue website for its work, adding those to its own support of Nowzad Dogs as a partner organization. Donations can be made by going to www.americandogrescue.org or calling 888-262-4753.

Arthur Benjamin is passionate about animals and has worked tirelessly to save and expand animal shelters, rescuing abandoned pets in the aftermath of the disasters in Haiti and New Orleans, and closing down puppy mills nationwide. American Dog Rescue, his philanthropic organization for animals, has contributed more than $250,000 to animal welfare in 2011 and $5,000 to Nowzad Dogs in the past month.

PRAI Beauty is a global high-end skincare company sold on home shopping networks in the United States, Canada, the UK, Italy and Australia.  Through its philanthropic arm, Beauty with a Cause, PRAI Beauty has provided more than $50,000 of support to Nowzad Dogs over the past three years. Cathy Kangas is a member of the National Council of the Humane Society of the United States and an ardent supporter of animal welfare activities ranging from stopping the Canadian seal hunt to rescuing retired thoroughbreds.

ADR and PRAI Beauty are also supporting a shelter in Afghanistan along with a spay and neutering program.

NEW YORK, NY (October 13, 2011) – When Arthur E. Benjamin was introduced to Pen Farthing (pictured with Benjamin, above) by Cathy Kangas of PRAI Beauty at The Humane Society of the United States “To the Rescue!” Gala in New York City on October 5, 2011 (where Benjamin helped HSUS raise more than $1 million) they joined forces through Benjamin’s non-profit organization, American Dog Rescue, to increase efforts and funds towards Nowzad Dogs in the initiative to rescue abandoned dogs in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Farthing, a former Royal Marine, started saving support dogs of military personnel in Afghanistan and developed the first, and only, dog rescue organization now serving Afghanistan’s dogs, Nowzad Dogs, a British tax-exempt organization that has saved hundreds of dogs to date.

Through Nowzad’s work, neglected and undernourished dogs are relocated to western countries where they can find the love, care, and attention they deserve. No man should be left behind and no dog should be left behind either.

The life of Afghan and Iraqi animals is not one of comfort even at the best of times; most of the day is spent hunting for scraps of food or hiding from the hot desert sun during the summer, or the freezing cold of a desert winter night. There is definitely no pampered pet status in Afghanistan or Iraq.

For some of the many stray dogs in the Middle East they now have a guardian for the first time in their lives. Further, dogs that serve our troops as emotional support animals and become socialized in this effort deserve to earn their stripes in the form of new homes. They cannot be left behind to return to a homeless feral life. They will not survive.

To donate to help support the rescue and relocation efforts of Nowzad Dogs in conjunction with American Dog Rescue, please visit http://www.americandogrescue.org/philanthropy/support-nowzad.

American Dog Rescue (ADR) is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to finding a home for every adoptable dog in the United States. American Dog Rescue is committed to placing healthy dogs in permanent homes that are the right fit for the animal and its family. Donations can be made by visiting www.americandogrescue.org/donate or calling (801) 944-3023.

Nowzad Dogs is a charity set up to relieve the abandonment of dogs, cats, and donkeys of Afghanistan and Iraq. Nowzad’s mission is to transport these stray animals to loving homes and assist in vital animal aid work that is desperately needed for the care and treatment of these animals. All donations go directly to helping the animals of Afghanistan and Iraq. Donations can be made by visiting http://www.americandogrescue.org/philanthropy/support-nowzad

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (October 11, 2011) – Executive and philanthropist Arthur E. Benjamin participated in the recent “Taste of Broward,” sponsored by Ferrari-Maserati of Fort Lauderdale and other Fort Lauderdale businesses.

The event, which took place on September 15, benefited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County and also collected school supplies for more than 12,000 children and $1,000 in cash donations.

NEW YORK, NY (October 7, 2011) – Philanthropist Arthur E. Benjamin, founder of American Dog Rescue, contributed to and helped raise more than $1,000,000 for The Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue Team on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 during The Humane Society’s To the Rescue! Gala, held at Cipriani in New York City.

The star-studded event was all for the animals, and Benjamin was the one to really shine, serving as a top tier sponsor and bidding big during the live auction. With a heart bigger than his body, he stepped up to the plate, as always, with a heartfelt contribution to help save the animals, a mission near and dear to his heart. As founder of American Dog Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to the mission of “No Healthy Dog Without A Home” Benjamin is a major, recognized supporter of HSUS, a role he clearly lived up to at the Gala.

In addition to his $25,000 sponsorship support of the event, Benjamin bid on the $25,000 live auction item of a Dog Rescue, the funds from which will save 100 animals. Additionally, he contributed to the Rescue Van bidding during the live auction, donating another $25,000. He was also able to get Cathy Kangas of PRAI Cosmetics to match his Dog Rescue bid, raising an additional $25,000 for The HSUS Animal Rescue Team and helping to save 100 more animals.

Benjamin was in good company, seated at a premiere table with HSUS Animal Cruelty Rescue and Response Team Director Ann Chynoweth, along with NBC Today Show Anchor Matt Lauer and Correspondent Jill Rappaport, whom he bonded with over their animal welfare foundations. Rappaport founded the Jack and Jill Fund for animal cancer in honor of her beloved dog Jack, who passed away from bone cancer. Benjamin has a similar story, having founded American Dog Rescue in honor of his beloved five pound poodle Buddy, a rescue dog who inspired him to start the foundation and who unfortunately passed away this year. Rappaport was honored at the event with the Voice for the Animals award for her dedication to animal welfare and her work reporting on animal issues on the Today Show.

Additional guests and animal lovers in attendance included Gala Co-Chairs Amanda Hearst (shown with Benjamin, above), Annie Churchill and Georgina Bloomberg; HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle; Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, NJ who was honored with the Humane Public Servant Award; renowned artist Peter Max; and many more charitable people, all coming together and joining Benjamin to support a wonderful cause.

Every year, state-of-the-art rescue vehicles from The Humane Society of the United States crisscross the country, saving thousands of animal lives. Ready to respond at a moment’s notice, the HSUS Animal Rescue Team uses its equipment, expertise, and other resources to assist law enforcement agencies with investigation, evidence collection, and animal seizure as well to coordinate animal care, sheltering, and relocation. More than $1 million was raised from the To The Rescue! Gala, which will be used to save thousands more lives in the coming year from the cruelty of puppy mills, animal fighting operations, hoarding and neglect cases, and more. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.humanesociety.org.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.

American Dog Rescue (ADR) is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to finding a home for every adoptable dog in the United States. American Dog Rescue is committed to placing healthy dogs in permanent homes that are the right fit for the animal and its family. Donations can be made by visiting www.americandogrescue.org/donate or calling (801) 944-3023.

The article focused largely on Benjamin’s July trip to Jakarta as one of the delegates who participated in the Global Entrepreneurship Program in Indonesia, as well as his numerous successes in business and philanthropy.

If you’d like to read more, the digital edition of “City & Shore” is available here.

“The disasters that struck Joplin and the surrounding areas in Missouri were devastating,” said Benjamin. “And while immediate efforts were made on the ground to rescue animals in danger, to recover lost animals, and to reunite families with their pets, there is still so much to be done. The awe of the situation struck the hearts of Americans, which is why it is so powerful that a viral fundraising campaign like this be launched so people from around the country can help. Through the unwavering efforts of the HSMO, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation, and American Dog Rescue, there is no doubt that we will make a difference in the aftermath of this devastation. Never has one click, one ‘like,’ one fan been so meaningful to thousands of lives – both animal and human.”

The funds raised from the Facebook campaign will assist to alleviate the costs accumulated from the immediate actions taken during the disaster relief including but not limited to staff, material and supply costs. Even before the official request from State Emergency Management Agency in Missouri, the HSMO Disaster Response Team was preparing for deployment. Within 24 hours of the tornado, a 23-member team experienced in animal rescue and recovery, emergency sheltering and veterinary medicine arrived on the scene.  Team response included eight trucks and animal carrier vehicles, two horse trailers, a disaster supply trailer, HSMO’s climate-controlled Animal Rescue Trailer, and an emergency-equipped RV so the team could be self-supporting when necessary. Field assessments began immediately with team members moving and sifting through dangerous debris and rubble to locate stray and injured animals. The team also responded to search and rescue calls from persons who survived the storm but could not find pets or had to leave them behind. More than 200 animals were rescued and taken to emergency shelter in the first week following the storm. In conjunction with Joplin Animal Control, the HSMO also operated a co-location shelter for now-homeless persons and their pets housed at the American Red Cross shelter. Efforts continue throughout Missouri to rescue animals from the recent disasters such as the tornado, and the even more recent flooding issues that plague the region. Immediate response efforts were also contributed by HSUS and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to ensure that as many animals as possible received necessary and prompt attention – these organizations continue to support the on-going efforts in Joplin and the surrounding areas.

For more information on The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation and American Dog Rescue fundraising efforts for Joplin, MO, Facebook users can visit the American Dog Rescue page athttp://www.facebook.com/AmericanDogRescue.

American Dog Rescue (ADR) is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to finding a home for every adoptable dog in the United States.  American Dog Rescue is committed to placing healthy dogs in permanent homes that are the right fit for the animal and its family.  Donations can be made by visiting www.americandogrescue.org/donate or calling            (801) 944-3023      .

The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization created to assist the building and growth of other foundations through leadership, management, marketing, and public relations. Established by Delray Beach business leader and philanthropist Arthur E. Benjamin, the Foundation’s core focus is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and animals, support young adults through educational efforts, and aid women in breast cancer recovery. For more information, please visit www.arthurebenjamin.com.