Stigma and superstition plague black pets

black cat

Pity the black dog or black cat waiting when it comes to pet adoption; they have an additional challenge: Black Dog/Black Cat Syndrome. There are many myths, superstitions and stigmas surrounding cats and dogs of the darkest color. For instance, did you know that a black cat crossing your path from right to left is bad luck, but from left to right is said to be good? Were you aware that, according to ancient folklore, the apparitions of black dogs were believed to be the unquiet ghosts of wicked souls? Did you know as well that here and now, in modern times, black dogs and cats are the last Continue reading …

Three’s family with three-legged dog

Astrid's adoption

Astrid is a three-legged special needs dog honorably adopted by two Air Force service members, Kristina and Johnathon. Her story illustrates why Pets for Patriots is so committed to the adoption of last-chance pets by military families. Our thanks to Kristina for sharing their story with us. I met my husband through the Air Force. We are both enlisted currently stationed at Langley. We fell in love instantly and just work well together. I recently lost my grandmother who was like a mother to me. I was heartbroken. Not long after I had to have surgery on my ankle, resulting in three screws Continue reading …

What is a service animal?

Service dog

At Pets for Patriots, we get calls from service members, veterans and their caregivers requesting our help to secure service dogs, usually for PTSD. But when we ask if the individual would be better served by a well-mannered companion dog or cat, we're always asked, "What's the difference?" We're so glad you asked. First, a little context. According to the Defense Department, more than 46,000 U.S. military personnel have been wounded in action in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars since March, 2003. The incidence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), depression Continue reading …

How pets improve your health

Woman and dog

Companion pets do more than make us smile; they're actually good for our health. From reduced incidence of depression, lower blood pressure and overall stress reduction, a four-legged friend might be the best health plan money can’t buy. At Pets for Patriots, we advocate for the adoption of "last-chance" pets that face near-certain death if not adopted: dogs and cats two years or older, dogs 40+ pounds regardless of age, and special needs pets. Collectively, these are animals that are most often overlooked in shelters, but that have many years of love and life to give. And because most are Continue reading …

Dogs help spouse survive military life

Buddy

This is written by Kristen Lee Qunell, proud military spouse and Pets for Patriots volunteer. Recipe for a military spouse: 1 1/2 cups patience 1 lb. adaptability 3/4 cup tolerance 1 tsp. courage Dash of adventure Combine the above ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons of elbow grease. Marinate frequently with salty tears. Pour off excess fat. Sprinkle lightly with money. Season the mixture with international spices. "Knead" the dough until payday. Bake 20 years, or until done. ***** I came across this recipe recently while browsing around online and found it quite clever. After I thought Continue reading …

About military working dog adoptions

MWD in Iraq

Our recent post about Rocky, a retired, disabled military working dog who was saved by our appeal, exposed a lot of misconceptions about the fate of military working dogs once they're retired from service. Most of these animals are eligible for adoption and are placed into appropriate and loving homes. Until recently, it was legal and common practice to abandon or put down military working dogs, known as MWDs, at the end of their useful service. Historically viewed as "surplus equipment," they weren't seen as having value beyond the military purpose for which they were trained. That mindset Continue reading …

Luke and Astro looking for love

Best friends forever

Luke and Astro are two shelter dogs hoping to find a love connection with a military veteran. While they long for their forever home, they're being cared for by Quincy Animal Shelter, just south of Boston, and are eligible for an ongoing 20% discount off veterinary care if adopted by a member of our charitable program.   Luke is a young Boxer/Pit Bull mix who loves to play fetch and lead an active lifestyle. If you like to go jogging or take long walks - or even really long walks! - he just might be the perfect companion for you. He would do well in a household with kids over 16 Continue reading …

Retired disabled military dog Rocky dies if not adopted; UPDATE: Rocky is saved!

Give now to help others last chance pets like Rocky

                    Pets for Patriots is a small charity, but we were able to mobilize 42,393 people* to save Rocky, a three-tour Iraq war canine veteran (*as of 8:15pm ET 8/18/11). Your donations are needed to save more pets like Rocky: dogs and cats who will never become an overnight internet sensation or have major news media vying to tell their tale. These "last chance" pets - adult and other at-risk shelter dogs and cats - face near-certain death if not adopted. We connect them to veterans and service members who need a new pet Continue reading …

How to adopt a shelter pet

How to adopt a shelter cat

Adopting a pet is a serious decision, especially for military families whose own lives are often in a state of constant change. It's a commitment, and bringing a four-legged family member into your household shouldn't be an impulse decision. Whether you're active duty, recently separated from the military, a retiree or veteran, at Pets for Patriots we encourage you to consider some important pet adoption issues before you ask, "how much is that doggie (or kittie) in the shelter?"  A FOREVER HOME First and foremost, don't adopt if you aren't prepared to provide a loving home to a pet for the Continue reading …

Dogs deliver therapy to PTSD/TBI veteran

My pit bull puppies

A disabled Army veteran coping with PTSD and TBI shares her story about how dogs have changed his life. He would like to see the Veterans Administration provide benefits to support pets adopted by veterans for their own self therapy. His story speaks to the heart of what we do at Pets for Patriots in connecting last-chance pets with veterans. Many of our adopters talk about being imperfect or misunderstood, and feel a kinship with unwanted animals that are often described in similar terms. We believe this strong identification with the predicament of an "unwanted" animal is what accounts for Continue reading …

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