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 …

20 steps you can take when your pet is lost

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Would you know what steps to take if your pet is lost? Most likely you think it won't happen to you. You’re too careful; he’s too well-behaved.   Visit any animal shelter and you will realize quickly that you are wrong.  An open door goes unnoticed, a dog gets frightened by a thunder storm, you’re traveling with your pet and someone you’re staying with lets him out.  There are so many scenarios and as a result, so many lost pets.   It can happen to you so be prepared, and act fast if your pet goes missing.  Be prepared and take immediate action Microchip your pet and keep 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 …

Tips to keep your pet safe on the Fourth of July

Dog Fourth of July

Before you throw another burger on the barbie, please heed a few important tips to keep your pet safe this Fourth of July holiday. Many of the festivities that people enjoy, such as outdoor parties and fireworks, pose real hazards for your pet. Help your pet beat the heat  Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heat stroke and should never be left outside in the hot weather for extended periods. Even for animals accustomed to spending a lot of time outdoors, fireworks and other loud noises can startle them, and cause them to break free of their enclosure in an effort to find safety. Leave Continue reading …

Animal cruelty: a gateway to violent crime?

Starved dog

The recent arrest of Interpol fugitive Luka Magnotta served as a rude reminder that animal cruelty is not a crime to be taken lightly. Magnotta was arrested in Germany for murdering, mutilating and cannibalizing a young man in Montreal, Canada. Magnotta recorded video of the murder, then posted it on the Internet. For two years prior, animal activists had been searching for a young man who had posted videos of himself online, torturing and killing cats. Montreal law enforcement has since identified the animal abuser as Magnotta. The link between animal cruelty and violent Continue reading …

Spirited cat wins heart of lonely Air Force veteran

Harry and Ed

A previously abused, but spirited cat finds his way into the heart and home of a lonely Air Force veteran. Not exactly a scene from When Harry Met Sally, but more like When Harry Met... Ed. Pets for Patriots member Ed was easily won over by Harry, a spirited Maine Coon, during their first meeting. Harry, on the other hand, took a little longer to come around. But in a patient and loving environment, the Air Force veteran who had served in Vietnam and elsewhere internationally, soon became the world to the homeless feline. Air Force veteran meets scaredy cat The veteran and his daughter Continue reading …

11 signs of animal cruelty and how you can help

starving dog

Animal cruelty is not only abhorrent in its own right, but is often tied to other offenses, including violence against adults and children.  Black’ s Law Dictionary defines cruelty to animals as: “The infliction of physical pain, suffering, or death upon an animal, when not necessary for purposes of training or discipline or (in the case of death) to procure food or to release the animal from incurable suffering, but done wantonly, for mere sport, for the indulgence of a cruel and vindictive temper, or with reckless indifference to its pain.”  Save animals from needless suffering Continue reading …

What is pet fostering?

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Pet fostering provides temporary care to shelter animals who, for a variety of reasons, need to live in a home environment prior to adoption. While pet fostering is ideal for some people, it's not for everyone. Why foster homes are needed Animal welfare organizations work to place lost, abandoned, abused and relinquished animals in forever homes, which helps relieve overcrowding and reduces an animal’s stress by providing a temporary and supportive sanctuary while it awaits permanent adoption. People who need care for their pets due to emergency or disaster rely on pet fosters while they Continue reading …

Shepherd rescue joins Coast Guard veteran’s ‘wild bunch’

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For one particular Coast Guard veteran, a quirky, adopted Shepherd dog made his family's 'wild bunch' just a little bit more wild - and joyful.  For the past 23 years, Will has been working as a dispatcher for the Detroit police and fire departments. During his prior Coast Guard service, he was stationed in Hawaii, traveled to Alaska on patrol, attended the Navy Electronics School near Chicago and served on a Lake Erie, Ohio search-and-rescue team. Will always had pets growing up, usually multiple cats and dogs at the same time. One of his memories is about Brownie, a German Shepherd Saint Continue reading …

Listen up! Deaf pets are great pets

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Living with a deaf pet brings unique joy and challenges, though these dogs and cats typically have a harder time getting adopted. At Pets for Patriots, our program is dedicated exclusively to connecting military personnel with pets that are most overlooked for adoption, including adults, large breed dogs and special needs dogs and cats. This includes animals that are hearing and sight impaired, and who are no less deserving of a loving home. How pets lose their hearing A hearing-impaired animal might not have been born deaf, but may have lost its hearing due to illness, traumatic injury, Continue reading …

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