Rescued dog helps Army veteran combat PTSD

Hunter smiling

It took a rescued dog named Hunter to help one Army veteran cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and reclaim some normalcy in his life. Dan joined the Army just out of high school in 1986 and served until 2007. He’s proud of his military service and his ability to help those in need, like the time he helped build a school in a small Honduran village. Another high point he recalls with great excitement was providing security for the 2002 Winter Olympics, where he met many of the athletes. “I served two years in Afghanistan as a combat engineer and I’m very proud I had Continue reading …

Pit bull heals Army veteran’s broken heart

Dale and Maximus Christmas

The much-maligned pit bull is pure myth for one veteran whose broken heart was made whole after the death of his beloved pet dog. Dale is a Vietnam veteran who enlisted in the US Army and served as a combat engineer in Germany from 1969 to 1972. Other than the time he spent in the Army, Dale had never lived without the faithful companionship of a dog. In June 2012, Dale and his wife, Sue, had to put to sleep their beloved 13-year old Doberman, Destiny, who had succumbed to old age. Dale was devastated by this loss. A house without a dog is not a home After Destiny passed away, Continue reading …

Vietnam veteran’s best friend is a cat, not a canine

Lawrence and Tweedy

It is often said that a dog is a man’s best friend, but for one Vietnam veteran a special needs cat – not a canine – fills that role. It is a sad truth that young, small and healthy cats and dogs are the first to be adopted at shelters across the country. This means older, large-breed and special need pets are left to either live out the rest of their lives in shelters or, even worse, are euthanized. Every year animal shelters throughout the United States care for approximately six to eight million dogs and cats, however, more than half are put to death because no one adopts Continue reading …

Dog lover makes room in his heart for a cat named Callie

Mark and Callie

A dual Marine-Army veteran  and dog lover learned that he had a soft spot for, of all things, a rescued Calico cat. The Vietnam-era Devil Dog - a term associated with the Marines since WWI for their legendary bravado in battle - found joy with the finicky feline, who's proving to have a personality as resilient as her savior. After serving in the Marine Corps from 1973 to 1975 and then the next eight years in the Army as a heavy–wheel vehicle mechanic, Mark separated from service with the rank of sergeant first class. The disabled veteran always fancied himself a dog person, but that Continue reading …

Companion pet motivates Army veteran to live

Greg and Bebe

For one disabled Army veteran, a companion pet was all the inspiration he needed to make changes that would ultimately save his life. During the winter of his senior year in high school and with failing grades, Greg knew he wasn’t going to graduate. Driven by the desire to do something different than his seven siblings, he dropped out of school and joined the Army. “It was the one thing I did all on my own,” Greg says. Unlike high school, Greg sailed through basic training with flying colors. As promised to his mother, Greg earned his GED once he arrived at his first duty Continue reading …

Retired Army officer touched by once-homeless dog

Walter and Gracie

A retired Army Lieutenant Colonel was so moved by the plight of a homeless dog that he felt compelled to save her life. Water retired as Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army after more than 20 years of service. He currently works for the Army Training Support Command as TRADOC Capabilities Manager at Fort Eustis, Virginia, where he draws upon his vast military experiences, includes serving worldwide as a Field Artillery Officer and Comptroller. Among Walter’s more memorable experiences in the service was working with the 528th Field Artillery Group and the First Turkish Continue reading …

Prayer guides Army reservist to four-legged miracle

Lucy and Me copy

The power of prayer worked for one Army reservist, whose faith was rewarded with a very special, four-legged miracle. This is Renee's story, in her own words, following her honorable adoption of a shelter dog named Lucy. +++ Dear Pets for Patriots, Please forgive me for taking so long getting back to you. Things are a bit hectic on this end. I would like to share with you my story about my new special companion, Lucy. Last July I learned that Sidney, my Miniature American Eskimo of 15 years, blind since birth, was now filled with cancer. There are no words to describe my pain and grief. I Continue reading …

Go Red for safety

Red seat belt 2

Red is one of our first Pets for Patriots honorable adoptions. Recently he received his adoption anniversary gift cards, and his adopted mom - a disabled Army veteran - put the cards to good use after a harrowing experience on the road. We're sharing their cautionary tale.   Hi Pets for Patriots,   Thank you so much for the wonderful birthday gift for Red.   Red and I had an experience not long ago that gave use real reason to think. We were in my pick-up truck coming back from the veterinarian. Part of the trip comes over an overpass that has a stop light at the bottom. You guessed Continue reading …

Vietnam war long over, Army veteran finds four-legged battle buddy

Richard and Cinnamon 1

At the height of the Vietnam War in early 1968, Richard joined the Army. He joined because, quite simply, “Uncle Sam decided he wanted me.” He loved the opportunity to see different states, like Colorado, and meet different people. He valued the sense of camaraderie as well. “You took care of your buddy and your buddies took care of you.” Richard was scheduled for deployment to Vietnam, but there was an issue with his unit and he no longer had to go. He subsequently got injured and separated from the Army altogether. Without the camaraderie Richard so enjoyed while serving, he Continue reading …

Pets for Patriots 9/11 Challenge

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Pets for Patriots is laying down the gauntlet with our first 9/11 Challenge: for 2,000 people to pledge $11 a month to support our troops and the influx of post-9/11 veterans entering our charitable program. More 9/11 veterans need a four-legged buddy Mario is a three-tour Iraq war veteran. After graduating high school in the wake of September 11th, he joined the Army because, in his own words, "I definitely wanted to do something and be a part of the military." During his third tour, he nearly died and was medically retired. Lost and depressed, Mario turned to Pets for Patriots for help Continue reading …

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