NEW YORK, NY (November 16, 2011) Arthur Benjamin, executive, philanthropist and founder of American Dog Rescue (ADR); Cathy Kangas, CEO and Founder of PRAI Beauty in New Canaan, CT; and American Airlines have joined forces to help Nowzad Dogs, the first and only animal rescue organization serving the dogs and cats of Afghanistan.

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.