An OIF/OEF Navy veteran comes home

Kathy and her husband, Jim, are both retired from the Navy. Collectively they served nearly thirty years, including overseas tours in Bermuda, Iceland, Wales and Pakistan, the latter of which holds one of Kathy’s most memorable experiences.

“My short time in Pakistan was a great moment in my career,” she explains. “Seeing the United States government work with a challenging country and being exposed to the highest levels of government was exciting, not to mention a phenomenal learning experience.”

Another memorable experience was her time aboard the USS HARRY S TRUMAN during a deployment to the Gulf.

“Knowing I was part of something bigger than myself – that was a very humbling and awesome experience,” she says.

Kathy’s first twenty years of service were devoted to maritime intelligence within the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System, searching for submarines. She shifted into the Information Dominance Corps as an Information Professional, which allowed her the opportunity to go to sea.

“I was blessed to have been assigned to two incredible Carrier Strike Group Staffs,” she says proudly, “and lucky enough to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and then Operation Enduring Freedom.”

A gift from the heart

Kathy had cats during most of her military career. Having them around reminded her of her years growing up, when her family adopted cats and dogs from their local shelter. But between deployments and one cat suffering from separation anxiety, Kathy felt she had no choice but to relinquish her two beloved cats to her son.

Once the Navy veteran and her husband retired from service, it was clear something was missing from their lives; the house felt so empty. Jim had the cure: he gave his wife a gift certificate to the local animal shelter.

“What a wonderful gift,” she says. “Truly from the heart!”

Like many adopters, the Navy couple intended to adopt kittens, until the staff at the Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center told them about Pets for Patriots. To be eligible for the many benefits of the charitable program – including discounted veterinary care and contributions from their Veterans’ Pet Food Bank Program – Kathy and Jim would need to adopt an older pet, or one with special needs. They loved what Pets for Patriots represented, and loved knowing they could give a good home to older, unwanted animals that might never be adopted.

Kathy applied immediately.

Two senior cats are twice as nice

During their visit to the shelter, a volunteer showed the couple two nine year-old cats, Sonja and Bear. They were known as a bonded pair, having grown up together as brother and sister. The two cats had to be adopted together, but most people wouldn’t adopt either of them because of their age.

Then came the picture that changed everything: a picture of Sonja and Bear snuggling together. Kathy and her husband were smitten. 

Although the two cats grew up together, they have very different personalities: Sonja, very soft and very loving and Bear, scared and unwilling to be held. Regardless of his standoffishness, Kathy knew that Bear and Sonja were the ones.

“What I love most about Bear is his love toward his sister, Sonja,” Kathy says. “He’s very protective over her, as well as over me.”

Now home with the Navy couple, Bear is always at the ready to whip out his alpha maleness whenever a perceived threat appears. Still, he shows total trust when he stretches his body out long beside Kathy or lays on his back in the sun.

Older might be better

Pets for Patriots changed Kathy’s perceptions about adopting an older animal. These days, she and Jim are happy to spread the word about the non-profit organization.

“My husband and I tell all our veteran friends about Pets for Patriots,” Kathy says. “Pets for Patriots opened our eyes to the possibility of love for what some would term ‘unwanted’ animals. We were proud to open our home to older animals.” 

The Navy couple’s humanity doesn’t stop there, however, and she credits the nationwide charity for that, as well.

“This program,” she says, “single-handedly allowed us to open our eyes and hearts to ‘unwanted’ people as well, and our donations and time are expanding to reach both.”

How has your pet helped you open your heart to others?

“Life is better with a dog or two,” says Caleigh, a proud Marine reservist, military spouse and – if that wasn’t enough – mother to two young boys and now, two rescue dogs.

Saving the first dog from abuse

To help cope with the challenges of life as a military spouse, in 2009 Caleigh adopted Cadence, a female shepherd mix. The dog had been abused and was ridden with heartworm.

In the years since, Cadence’s physical health recovered and she became more secure in the loving home Caleigh shares with her sons, Jameson and Jaxon, and their father – that is, when he is not on an active tour as a twelve-year staff sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserve.

While Caleigh’s husband was serving a recent tour in Afghanistan, she bought a house for their growing family and quickly realized that Cadence needed a friend to keep her company. Having had such a positive experience with Cadence, she returned to the same rescue group for the second adoption.

“We of course went back to Paws and Prayers,” Caleigh says, “so that we could rescue another dog who needed loving.”

Cinderella meets her princes…and her fairy godmother

In the fall of 2012 when Caleigh’s husband left for his fourth tour to Afghanistan and she went back to work, Caleigh returned to Paws and Prayers to search for another rescue dog. There, the Marine reservist found Cindarella – a then six year-old, previously abused dog – who also answers to “Rella” and “Relly Belly.”

“I never heard of Pets for Patriots before,” she says, “but while I was on the Paws and Prayers site looking for a dog, I saw the Pets for Patriots logo and it said the dog qualified for the program.” 

It was an easy decision for Caleigh to apply to the charitable companion pet adoption program, which motivates the adoption of at-risk pets – adult dogs and cats, large breed dogs and special needs animals – in exchange for benefits that make pet ownership more affordable for veterans.

“I chose to go through Pets for Patriots because the veterinarian in our area that I now use gives us a 10% discount on all their services,” Caleigh explains, “and when you have two six year-old dogs, it can add up.”

In addition to routine medical care, Rella needs special treatment for severe arthritis in her hind legs. By joining Pets for Patriots, Caleigh would be eligible for other benefits if she saved Rella or any other program-qualified pet, such as a 50% adoption fee discount from Paws and Prayers, a contribution from Pets for Patriots to ease the cost of pet food and other essentials, and special members-only discounts on other goods and services, like pet health insurance.

An abused dog with a “heart of gold”

These days, Rella shows little signs of the beatings she endured prior to her rescue, and has nothing but love for her new family.

“She grew to trust us,” says Caleigh, adding that although “she still has her moments when she shows you her past, she is honestly an amazing dog with an amazing heart.”

Caleigh is equally enthusiastic about the charity that made it easier to bring Rella into her family.

“Pets for Patriots is an amazing program,” Caleigh enthuses, who appreciated the help she received not only with the costs of adoption and medical care, but the frequent check-ins to make sure that Rella and the family were doing well together. 

Rella has proven to be a blessing not only to Cadence, but to the entire family. Although she has severe arthritis in her hind legs that requires medication to keep her comfortable, Rella loves to be near everyone. She particularly loves to play with her two little brothers, in spite of her pain, doing a “crazy spin move” when Jameson and Jaxon bring out her dinner bowl.

“She just wants to be around us and cuddle and steal every bit of love that we have to give,” Caleigh says. “From what I know of her past she should have no reason to trust or love a human again, but she does. She truly has a heart of gold.”

Caleigh is proud that hers is a dual-Marine Corps family with not one, but two rescue dogs. Of Cadence and Rella, she notes that “They truly bring so much joy to lives.” She further credits Pets for Patriots for their dedication to veterans, including those on active duty.

“I honestly believe us having our girls has helped my husband adjust better after coming home from his fourth combat tour.”

Are you, or do you know a returning veteran who would benefit from the love of a rescued pet?

From 1961-1964, Roger served in the 25th infantry division in Hawaii in preparation to deploy to Vietnam. He was discharged before his division was sent overseas, and used his time in Hawaii to travel and marry. Eventually he and his bride left for the mainland, where Roger worked for a time as a military training instructor in Indianapolis.

Unlike his fiery, Colombian wife, Jacquie, Roger is a soft spoken man, but the pair is identical in one respect: their love of dogs. The couple hoped to add a big dog to their family because Jacquie always had them as pets on her farm in Bogota, Columbia growing up.

“Lots of dogs – big dogs,” she says.

The Army couple already had two Yorkies, Sleepy and Skippy, but felt a large breed dog would make their “happy dog” family complete. They learned about a German Shepherd mix who was on death row at a local shelter, deemed aggressive when she snapped at a worker hosing down her kennel.

That was enough to put the sweetly named Sugar Bear on the list of animals to be killed or, as is known in the animal welfare industry, “humanely euthanized.”

Last-chance dog spared death, but still homeless

When Sugar Bear was dropped off at the Lake City Humane Society, she was underweight, having had four puppies and heartworm. Once she was placed on death row, her time became extremely limited. Luckily for Sugar Bear, a North Florida rescue group that works with the shelter adopted her in order to spare her life, but it was only temporary until a forever home could be found. 

It didn’t take long for the last-chance dog to meet her hero, or for Roger and his wife to fall in love with her. The minute Jacquie saw the then two-year old dog, she thought to herself, “I can’t resist a big dog!”

The Vietnam veteran reflects on the sweet name that belied Sugar Bear’s not-so-sweet life.

“It was the name she came with, she responds to it, so we kept it,” says Roger. “We didn’t want to cause her any more trouble by changing her name.”

Home sweet Sugar Bear, home

Since giving Sugar Bear a second chance at life, Roger and Jacquie are amazed at the positive changes she has made. 

“She’s put on weight and has a nice, shiny coat,” says Jacquie, adding, “She’s shown no aggression whatsoever. Euthanizing Sugar Bear would have been a big mistake. She’s incredible.”

Roger concurs.

“She’s so affectionate with us, but she just doesn’t like water sprayed on her,” he says, recalling the incident at the kennel that almost cost Sugar Bear her life. “The person that had Sugar Bear before us has no idea the kind of dog they had. She is the sweetest girl in the world and takes good care of us.”

Since settling in to her new home Sugar Bear has made friends with Sleepy and Skippy, the couple’s Yorkshire Terriers. They all love to play in the backyard together where the “Yorkies have to run like the devil to keep up with Sugar Bear,” Roger says with a laugh.

The little dogs are adjusting in other ways, like trying to learn how to share the couple’s bed with their new big sister. Sugar Bear is very protective of Jacquie, who believes the dog knows that Jacquie is now her mother. She loves to go out for walks, which always starts with “mom” reminding the big dog who’s in charge.

“I’m taking you for a walk,” Jacquie says, “you’re not taking me.”

The Shepherd mix likes to stay close to Roger too, often using her nose to bump his hand until he scratches her. If he’s paying attention to the Yorkies, Sugar Bear lets both of them know that it’s her turn for attention.

Making pet adoption affordable for veterans

Roger enjoyed the entire experience of adopting through Pets for Patriots, including his interactions with Beth Zimmerman, the charity’s founder and executive director. 

“Beth was a real find,” Roger says. “And I really appreciated the discount we got on Sugar Bear’s adoption fee and the other discounts, although I wish the veterinarian gave a larger discount than just 10%.”

Pets for Patriots is a nationwide charity that delivers the healing power of companion pets to service and veteran members of the United States military. To help these bonds endure, the organization provides a range of financial support and incentives for military personnel who save the most overlooked, at-risk dogs and cats, including discounted veterinary care from local partners. While the minimum discount for a partner is 10%, some choose to give more.

As a large breed, adult dog who is generally harder to place, Sugar Bear more than qualified for the Pets for Patriots program. Roger often recommends Pets for Patriots to veterans at his local Veterans Administration hospital.

“If they talk about wanting to adopt a pet, but they don’t have the money, I tell them about Pets for Patriots,” says Roger.

Jacquie agrees.

“Look how they helped us,” she beams. “I call us the happy dog family!”

How does your last-chance pet make your life joyful?

As it happens, it was an adult cat named Bo Baby who changed Joe’s world when the two adopted one another through our partnership with the Sacramento SPCA.

We share excerpts from Joe’s updates to Ted Whitcomb (Marine Corps veteran, member patriot and volunteer coordinator for veteran outreach) and Beth Zimmerman (executive director).

+++

January 2013

Dear Beth,

Well, I finally found a new best friend! His name (for now) is Bo-Baby. He is an adult, seven year-old, neutered male cat. Bo is a big 30+ inches from nose to tail tip. He is a 12+ pounder who is black with white boots and a tuxedo chest. We arrived at my apartment about 2pm and he took the rest of the day to check out every nook and cranny in my one bedroom apartment. That is, between naps!

He slept all night at my feet. This morning he woke up with me and acted like he always lived here! Doing our morning stretch (really; he stretched his legs as I stretched mine!) and talking back and forth like a couple of old roomies! 

The SPCA included his blanket in his travel box and he loves to nap on it in front of the sliding door to my balcony. They kindly waived all fees and gave me a bag of food…plus a few toys and literature.

I have to tell you how much your Pets for Patriots program and newsletter helped me and Bo get together. I was a “I hate cats” guy for a long time. Now, at least I love this cat! Reading about my brother vets finding BFF’s was encouraging. I don’t take pet ownership lightly, but this cat is awesome!

His purring motor is relaxing to me and I really enjoy the attention he gives me. Like me, Bo is fairly independent and doesn’t require a lot of attention. Not a lot – just enough.

Again, thanks!

Joe

+++

February 2013

Dear Ted,

Bo (I dropped Baby) has been here for two weeks today. He and I are adapting to each other real well. The first four or five days, Bo took his time to find every hiding place he could until he heard the treats jostled in the bag. Then he changed his mind about me and my Man Cave!…

He has exceeded my expectations. As a former cat-hater, I am so glad I took the extra time to research cat behavior and ownership. I guess the old saying about cats not having owners is partially true. They have staff!

In the last few days he has taken to sitting on my desk right next to my PC monitor, watching the fish on my screensaver or taking a nap. He shares the couch, but is not much of a snuggler. Yet…

Thanks to Pets for Patriots for encouraging me to find a new friend!

Joe

+++

March 2013

Ted!

Bo and I are doing great. He trusts me more now and is starting to show more affection. At night he will jump onto my bed and find a comfy spot and fall asleep. He wakes when I do and we have a routine he is becoming more and more familiar with. After dinner he wants to play “chase the red dot” and fight with and kill the little stuffed mouse. He brought it to me like a gift last night! I rewarded him with some scratching and rubbing.

He is a very cool cat. He now struts with attitude across the top of my couch, purring and talking to me like he is daring me to chase him off!

So yeah; he is a new BFF! I look forward to him jumping up on my desk to sit next to my PC monitor, just watching the cursor and mouse arrow move around. 

So thanks for asking, and for providing this opportunity to have Bo in my life.

I enjoy having a pal to talk to while doing laundry or cooking. Even when I just sit and read my next favorite book, Bo will sit next to me and occasionally open his eyes to check on me.

Be well,

Joe

+++

April 2013

Hi Beth!

Bo da Cat (as he is called now) turned eight years-old on April 6th! He is healthy and happy. Even though his previous family declawed him, his stalking instincts are still strong. When he spots a bird on our second floor balcony, he will slowly stalk it with all of the stealth of a black panther on the plains of the Serengeti! Slowly, ever so cautiously placing each paw in a specially chosen spot. Noiseless, blending into the tall grass and baobab trees. He actually gets to about four feet from the birds when I can see him prepare for the final deadly pounce. Like a spring getting compressed to unleash its power in a blinding moment…..Then like the clown in a Jack-in-the-box he leaps!!! – only to slam head first into the sliding glass door!

Dazed but not hurt, Bo da Cat will meow at the fleeing birds as if to say, “You’re lucky this time. One of these days the door will be open and I’ll have me a McBirdy Sandwich!!!”

He is not the smartest cat in the litter box; he has done this six or seven times!

Bo da Cat still thinks he can kill any little red dot he finds. I use a laser toy to give him some exercise and give me some fun. Bo will use all his cat behaviors and skills to capture the dotmouse. With lightening speed, exciting moves, near misses with anything in his path and the single mindedness of a hunter, I’ll let him chase it for a while then turn it off just as he gets his paws on it. He will slowly and deliberately lift a paw and, not finding it, lick it and turn to the other paw. He will painstakingly slowly peek under his other paw. Not finding it there either, Bo will lick his paws and act like he killed it and ate it – then walk away with all the swagger of a rock star, meowing like he is the Worlds Champion of the I.L.M.K.A., commonly called International Laser Mouse Killing Association!!!

Either he has a great imagination or he is our Man Cave Clown; I think a little of both! And I’m sure if he could write to you, he would have a few great stories about me! I have been known to spin a yarn or two…

Thanks again, for the help in finding us both a Cave-mate! We are a couple of bachelors who give each other great companionship and friendship. 

Although, I wish someday Bo da Cat would fix me dinner… Or get the coffee going in the morning!

With much appreciation for you and Pets for Patriots,

Your friend,
Joe

Kaitlin serves in the Navy out of Portsmouth, Virginia and is the proud “mom” of honorably adopted Cooper, an enthusiastic and loving six year-old Retriever mix. A recent college graduate, Kaitlin joined the Navy after completing her schooling in May of 2012. She currently works as a nurse at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth and “loves every minute of it.” While she finds it hard to think of one specific event as her most memorable in the military so far, Kaitlin definitely enjoys giving back to her fellow service members.

“I enjoy going to work every day,” she says, noting that she gets to help members of the military and their families by providing them with healthcare.

“It’s amazing how appreciative people are,” she says, “and it feels great to be doing a job I love while serving others who are serving their country.”

Pet adoption makes house a home

Kaitlin is a life-long dog lover and always had a dog growing up. She suffered a touch of separation anxiety when she moved to Portsmouth and had to leave the beloved family dog at home with her parents. It didn’t take long before the Naval nurse knew she wanted someone to welcome her home at the end of the day. Preferably a furry, four-legged someone. 

During a visit to the Virginia Beach SPCA, Kaitlin learned about Pets for Patriots from a member of the adoption staff. If she was approved by the charitable organization and adopted a program eligible pet, she would receive various benefits to help make pet ownership more affordable – a big boost to a young service member at the start of her career.

“Once it was explained, it was hard not to go through Pets for Patriots, given the many benefits provided,” she says. Since adopting, she recommends the program to any member of the military who might be thinking about pet adoption.

“It’s a great program,” says Kaitlin. “Pets for Patriots seems to truly care about their members and animals.”

A four-legged friend for road trips and life’s journeys

In keeping with Pets for Patriots’ mission to save the most overlooked shelter animals, Kaitlin honorably adopted Cooper – a six year-old Retriever mix. Since saving the adult dog, Kaitlin finds it hard to choose the one thing she loves most about her new best friend.

“Everything!” she exclaims. And Kaitlin and Cooper do virtually everything together.

The energetic Retriever loves walking, visiting the beach and playing with his tennis ball, and Kaitlin insists she’s powerless to his “puppy dog eyes.” Every time Cooper bats them her way, she has “no choice” but to fork over little nibbles of people-food.

“He especially loves licking my bowl of strawberry cheesecake ice cream when I’m done,” Kaitlin says.

Cooper is a great driving partner as well, enjoying the twice monthly rides he makes when his Navy mom drives to Pennsylvania to visit family and friends. 

“I couldn’t ask for a better driving companion,” says Kaitlin, but on further reflection realizes it’s the daily homecoming that she treasures most.

“I love the fact that he’s always sitting waiting for me, wagging his tail as I walk through the door after a long day’s work,” she says. “It never fails that he’s happy to see me.”

How does your pet make you look forward to coming home every day?

This is the story of a dog twice surrendered to a Colorado shelter who found his forever family, and a purpose: helping an Army combat veteran adjust to the challenges of coming home from war.

High anxiety after return from combat

After being together with his high school sweetheart for more than a decade, Vaughan married and, around the same time, joined the Army. In 2011, just a year into their marriage, he was deployed to Afghanistan. He served there for 11 months before returning to his home base in Colorado Springs. 

Like many combat veterans, Vaughan found himself on edge even after he returned home from Afghanistan. 

“When I first got back, I had a little bit of trouble readjusting to home life,” he says. “Nothing too dramatic, but I was feeling anxious and restless often. I would become overly irritated by little problems.”

The combat veteran and his wife, Annie, decided to adopt a shelter dog, thinking it might help with the stress and the anxiety Vaughan was feeling. Annie began searching for a dog to adopt through their local shelters.

“We both wanted a dog. She wasn’t even allowed to have a pet when she was growing up,” Vaughan says. “We wanted a pet that we could play with and take out for walks.” 

During her online search, Annie discovered Pets for Patriots, a charity that helps military members honorably adopt adult and at-risk shelter pets. The couple was impressed by the number of shelters that participate in the program as well as the other benefits of adopting a pet through the nationwide program – including discounted veterinary care and support for pet food, supplies and other essentials.

Twice surrendered, but third time’s a charm

It was an early fall day in 2012 when Vaughn and his wife visited the Dumb Friends League, a Pets for Patriots adoption partner in Denver, and fell in love with Max. As an adult dog – a two year-old Lhasa Apso/Poodle mix - he fit one of the charity’s requirements of an at-risk pet. But it was Max’s upbeat personality and determination to find a home that sealed the deal.

After being found as a stray, the little shelter dog was adopted and subsequently surrendered by two separate families for showing aggression toward strangers. Vaughan decided that it didn’t matter; he was impressed by Max’s resiliency.

“He seemed so friendly and caring when we met him that we decided to give him a chance.”

That chance paid off, for both the combat veteran and the irrepressible shelter dog.

“Max has been great for my wife and I,” Vaughn says. “When we got him, he seemed so happy to be out of the shelter that it was impossible for me to be irritated. He helped me to readjust quickly and has been a great companion in the time that he has been a part of our family.”

The couple took Max to a trainer and learned that the aggression he was displaying was fear-based. He had been abandoned before, and was afraid that other people or animals approaching Vaughan and Annie were going to take them away from him. 

“Once we understood what his fear was,” says Vaughan, “we were able to work him through it. Now our biggest problem is that he gets too excited when there are new people around. That, and stopping him from getting into the trash.”

A recommendation to fellow military members

Vaughan is currently stationed at Fort Carson as a 12b Combat Engineer for the Army while taking online college courses towards a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He and his wife are now Pets for Patriots fans, having had such a positive experience adopting Max through the program. 

“I would tell all veterans or active duty military members to work with Pets For Patriots for their adoptions,” says Vaughan. “They helped us with the process, supported our adoption with some financial assistance to help get Max comfortable, and have continued to check in with us to see if we needed anything. They have been fantastic to us and helped us build our little family.”

These days, both Max and Vaughan are less anxious. Max knows that he has a forever family that will not abandon him, and Vaughan is more relaxed by the mere presence of his loving little friend.

In what ways do you and your pet help one another?

James, a retired Army veteran, served in both World World II and the Korean War. He worked his way up the ranks of the Army’s Officer Candidate School (OCS) and graduated from Fort Benning as a Second Lieutenant. He calls himself one of the “90-day wonders” – a term describing junior officers during World War II and, when numerous officers were moved quickly through OCS, often during other times of war.

Although trained as a ball turret or “belly” gunner, James was spared flying into combat. He was such an excellent trainee that the Army Air Corps instead tapped him to be a gunnery instructor. After his service in World War II, James returned to his home in upstate New York, where he graduated from college with a degree in mathematics. He later married, and had four sons and two daughters.

“I thought I had served my country well,” he says.

It turns out that the WWII veteran spoke too soon.

A return to service earns James a Bronze Star

Five years after his return, James was recalled. Between the end of WWII and his recall, James and his wife had two dogs, one of which their daughter adopted for them at a local shelter. 

James was in the Army Reserves as an Infantry Lieutenant and assigned to serve as an infantry MP in the Republic of Korea. During this time, James attended military intelligence school and served as a counter intelligence officer in Korea with the 3rd infantry division. In 1952, Lt. James Forth was awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious service, after which it was noted that his “sound knowledge of intelligence technique and his competent investigative background were invaluable assets in the furtherance of the counter-intelligence mission assigned to his unit.” 

One of James’ most memorable military experiences came during the time he was stationed in Alaska, where he was sent to train the infantry. While there, he trained Alaskan Natives and became interested in their culture. One particular tribe inhabited an island off the coast of Kodiak, exiled there many years prior with a missionary from Boston who had taught them how to build boats and to fish.

To this day, the tribe exists independently from the United States. James is pretty sure that no one can get onto the island unless they marry into the tribe.

“Alaska was an unusual and interesting experience,” he says.

Hooked on pet adoption

It was during this time that James adopted a pet. Growing up he came from a big family – three sisters and two brothers – but they never had any animals in the house. While serving in Alaska, he adopted a Siberian Husky.

“Huskies are a tough breed because they love to be outside,” James says. “This dog would only stay inside about ten minutes before he went back out.”

For this WWII and Korean War veteran, adopting that Husky was the turning point; he was hooked.

Back home in New York, James had two beagles, but never any cats until he married his second wife: a neighbor who came into the marriage with a cat named Sneakers.

Sneakers became very attached to James and, when she passed away at 17-years old, James decided that he would never have a pet again. He was tired of getting attached to them, only to ultimately cope with the sadness of their passing.

As the story often goes, James’ decision was overturned rather quickly.

Three weeks after Sneakers died, James wandered into his local PetSmart “just to take a look.” Animal Protective Foundation, a local Pets for Patriots adoption partner, was featuring animals there who were in need of a permanent home. He saw a cat that had been there for six weeks, huddled in the far back corner of her kennel. Upon seeing James, she rolled right over and looked directly at him.

Once again, James was hooked and Mandy – a beautiful orange and white tiger cat – found her forever home.

Shelter cat rules the roost

At the time of her honorable adoption in October 2012, Mandy was a six-year old cat with unusual orange eyes. A mere six months later, she rules the roost.

“She’s a typical cat,” James says. “She does everything a cat should do and then some.” 

The pair have even synced their daily routines.

When James goes to bed, Mandy goes to bed. When James gets up in the morning, Mandy joins him on the walk outside to get the paper. At his house, James has both an upper and lower deck. Depending on the weather, Mandy will choose on which deck she wants to sun herself.

James says with a laugh, “She rules the house.”

Good goes around

James likes the mission behind Pets for Patriots, and he plans to continue supporting them.

The organization provides opportunities for veterans, like James, and service members to honorably adopt dogs and cats most overlooked at shelters: adult, large breed dogs and special needs pets. In return for saving a last-chance pet, approved members receive various benefits to make pet ownership more affordable.

But James didn’t have financial savings on his mind when he saw Mandy. The war hero had a different kind of saving in mind: saving a life.

“Pets need attention,” he says, “they can’t exist by themselves. I think any group that pays attention to pets is good, and I think that the idea is good. Pets for Patriots is doing a good thing.”

How did your adopted pet choose you?

About ten months ago we were honorably adopted by Maysie, an Australian shepherd. 

My husband had just left on deployment at the time, but as soon as I sent him her picture at the shelter, we all knew she had to come home with us. She has since blossomed in the household and since his return in December, has completely attached to him like she’s been here her whole life. She loves squeaky Kong balls, her older ‘sister’ Lily (also an Aussie), chasing squirrels, and chilling in the back of the truck or trailer on rides. Her ‘job’ is keeping the cats of the household in check and wearing Lily and our son out by the end of the day.

Duty days are hard, but Maysie’s always there to welcome my husband home with kisses, plenty of butt wiggles and a long one sided conversation on why he should’ve gotten home sooner.

Thank you Pets for Patriots for the help in bringing Maysie into our lives! 

Maysie isn’t one to stand still long enough to take pictures so I had to sneak up on her while she was ‘sunning’ herself in the wonderful 80+ degree weather we’ve been having this week! She was keeping an eye out for those pesky squirrels who like to invade our yard when she’s not looking, and the trailer is a great place to do that!

Hi Beth, 

Here is our picture from the day I picked Sophie up. 

My first dog, Samantha, was with me for 12 years. I adopted her as an Ensign and she’s been with me no matter where I was stationed in the world. She was in Norfolk with me for 9 years, then in San Diego for one-and-a-half years, one year in Bahrain, six months in Monterey, and then 15 months with me in Hamburg, Germany, where she passed very suddenly last February due to cancer. She had multiple tumors in her liver, kidneys and spleen.

I really was devastated, and although all my friends told me to get another dog, I didn’t want to just replace Samantha. Since I was moving back the states this past September, I decided to wait until I got all settled back here in Norfolk. 

I had been to the SPCA several times, but didn’t feel a connection with any of the dogs there.

Finally in March, I went to the Norfolk Animal Care Center and found Sophie, a 3 year-old black lab, who had just been dropped off three days earlier by a family of six who said they didn’t have time for her, and were leaving her alone for 16 hours a day.

I’m so happy to have her, and she’s very well adjusted already. She insists on following me everywhere, and even sleeping on the bed, leaning against me at night. What a sweetheart! 

Chris

Funny-looking dog with a serious purpose

Kenneth is a Vietnam War combat veteran who feels that he was selfish when he adopted a shelter dog named Sam I Am, a Jack Russell terrier mix “with a Mohawk.” In truth, Kenneth was the very opposite of selfish: he rescued Sam to help his partially blind Golden Retriever-Akita mix, Roxy, navigate her life.

(Left to right): Lady Gaga, Sam, Kenneth & Roxy

When Roxy’s two other canine companions died, Kenneth knew she needed another helper and friend. Sam is now Roxy’s guide dog and their bond is unbreakable. 

Every morning Sam greets Roxy with a kiss and guides her down the front steps to do “her business,” and rejoins her when she’s done to guide her back up the stairs. But Sam is more than a guide; he’s a friend as well. The little dog helps alleviate Roxy’s separation anxiety when Kenneth and his wife are away from home.

Vietnam and the top secret intercept 

Kenneth was a Vietnamese linguist during the Vietnam War. He studied Latin, French and Spanish in high school – Russian in college –  and, not surprisingly, received a high score on a language test given by the military. He was set to be a Russian linguist, but his orders got red-lined when President Johnson escalated the Vietnam War.

During his tour of duty in the Air Force Kenneth went on three secret combat and service missions, flying over North Vietnamese territory over the Gulf of Tonkin, listening to Vietnamese radio communications.

While monitoring intercepts from Taiwan’s Shu Lin Kou Air Station, Kenneth overheard a Viet Cong platoon near the South Vietnam-Laotian border. He learned that a Forward Air Control pilot was shot down over Laos and captured. In the communication the enemy gave the pilot’s name, serial number and health condition, and indicated they were taking him to the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” POW camp.

Within twenty minutes of receiving the message, Kenneth’s commander issued a gag order on the intel to keep their covert mission intact.

In September of 1972, the captured soldier was one of many POWs released by Hanoi, bringing Kenneth a sense of closure because this man’s family would have him home safe and sound. Kenneth was told that he was the only linguist in the world that intercepted that message; if he hadn’t picked it up and recorded it, the soldier would have likely remained missing in action.

A year later, Kenneth reenlisted to become an air traffic control radar repairman and, following that tour, the Air Force veteran became an accountant. He now lives in Florida with his wife and beloved pets, including Sam I Am.

A love without equal

Sam I Am got his unusual name because he looks like dogs in Dr. Seuss’ books, How The Grinch Stole Christmas and Green Eggs and Ham. Kenneth and his wife adopted him through Lake City Humane Society, their local Pets for Patriots adoption partner. Kenneth says that the folks at the humane society are wonderful, helpful people.

“All of their shelter animals look healthy and well-cared for,” he observes.

The Vietnam veteran is equally enthusiastic about Pets for Patriots, which he joined in July 2012. 

“It’s a great organization,” he says. “Everyone knows there are a multitude of animals in shelters; most are getting euthanized because shelters are so overcrowded. Helping a veteran adopt a pet gives the animal a home. It’s not in a cage and it’s not put to sleep.”

Kenneth believes the charity helps on a more emotional level as well.

“Give a veteran something to love that will love them back without any questions asked.”

Pets for Patriots is a nationwide charity that delivers the healing power of companion pets to service and veteran members of the United States military. To help these bonds endure, the organization provides a range of financial support and incentives for military personnel who save the most overlooked, at-risk dogs and cats. As a four year-old dog at the time of his honorable adoption, Sam I Am meets one of the charity’s criteria for a hard-to-adopt pet.

A pet in every home, and a home for every pet

Kenneth believes that Pets for Patriots should be part of soldiers’ exit interview when they separate from service.

“They should be told right away,” he proclaims. “There are so many things veterans aren’t told about and must find out themselves. Tell ’em!”

Kenneth and his family love Sam I Am “to pieces.” The little dog not only bonded with Roxy, but with Kenneth’s granddaughter, an only child who calls Sam her “little brother.” Sam has even wiggled his way into the heart of their Calico cat, Lilly, and these days the pair love to snuggle together.

Kenneth knows the therapeutic effects of a companion pet, both for himself and for his blind dog, Roxy, and thinks more people – particularly veterans – should be open to experiencing the special joys of pet adoption.

“Everyone should have a pet to fill a void in their lives. Dogs and cats so full of love.”

How is your pet your family’s helper?