In May 2021, Desiree realized that she needed a lifeline. But the Navy veteran did not expect it would come in the form of an energetic, eight month-old Australian Shepherd-Great Pyrenees mix named Nala.

Thanks to the partnership between SPCA of Anne Arundel County and Pets for Patriots, this adoption became a life-changing moment—for both of them.

Adrift

Desiree had served in the Navy from 1985 to 1992 as an aviation support mechanic, petty officer 2nd class. These skilled professionals provide vital ground support for naval aircraft and are a lifeline to Navy aviators.

Desiree was stationed in Rota, Spain, and at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland.

Years later, after experiencing several major life changes in quick succession, the Navy veteran found herself in need of direction.

So Desiree did what many veterans do at a crossroad in their lives: she chose to adopt a companion pet. After applying to our adoption program for veterans and being approved, she started her search in earnest.

Soon after, the Navy veteran met her four-legged lifeline: a dog named Nala.

Rough start

SPCA of Anne Arundel County joined forces with us in 2016 to adopt more of their at-risk dogs and cats into loving military homes.

To date nearly 90 such placements were made possible through our partnership.

Desiree was approved into our program in early May 2021, but it would be nearly three weeks later that she fell overboard for Nala. At the time Nala was a young, but large dog with beautiful honey and white markings.

At first, things did not go smoothly. Nala struggled with leash reactivity around other dogs.

“Our journey started a little rocky when I realized Nala displayed reactivity on leash around other dogs,” Desiree admits. “I had no experience with this.”

Determined to help Nala, Desiree dove into research and began training. She knew instinctively that helping Nala overcome her fears was the lifeline the big dog needed.

“I started training at PetSmart with the goal being to walk around the store,” she explains, “and not go crazy seeing another dog.”

A mother’s legacy

Desiree was able to see beyond Nala’s initial struggles. She knew the big dog, desperate for training and structure, was worthy of her efforts. Still, it took some time for her blended family of kids and cats to adjust to their new canine companion.

“Nala is amazing! She is perfect,” Desiree says. “We are all—two college kids and two kitties—adjusting with our new pony puppy addition. She will be a wonderful companion as I transition to being an empty nester.”

To honor Desiree’s late mother, she shares a poem her mother wrote. It was never published, but Desiree hopes it can now help others.

“She never published anything and I feel this is her legacy,” she shares. “If it helps one person or pet get adopted it has served its purpose.”

Ribbon worthy

Slowly but surely, Nala made progress. And then she revealed a hidden talent that would change the course of her life and that of Desiree.

“She is very smart, loves treats,” Desiree says, “and eventually showed me that she liked agility.”

One day at a local park Nala discovered some old agility equipment—and lit up.

That moment sparked a new chapter in her relationship with Desiree.

Soon the pair explored new venues to practice Nala’s agility skills. In time they became members of a kennel club, where they continue to hone Nala’s native talents.

The pair began competing in agility trials and by the summer of 2024 Nala had earned three American Kennel Club titles.

“I never expected to be on this journey,” Desiree shares, “but it is great bonding and has given me a fun activity.”

“…my soulmate dog”

Despite their early challenges, Desiree always saw Nala’s potential to be a happy, well-mannered dog. The Navy veteran knew this even during their first admittedly challenging days together.

“I am so grateful for your program and helping bring this wonderful addition to my family,” she shares. “Your help in adopting Nala gave me a new focus and filled a void in my life.”

Throughout their years together Nala’s protective nature remains strong. Her Great Pyrenees heredity made her a classic livestock guard dog—always alert, always on duty. As an empty nester, Desiree is comforted that Nala is always protecting their home front.

Yet from time to time, Nala will get a little ruffled by other dogs.

“She still displays some reactivity in her neighborhood, but that’s her job as a livestock guard dog,” Desiree says. “In trails she sees numerous dogs and is fine.”

But it these qualities and behaviors that make Nala special, as well. Years of training and competing have only strengthened the bond she shares with her rescuer.

“She is my soulmate dog, and she is living her best life,” Desiree says.

“Thank you for choosing me to be Nala’s mom. She did have another application on her, and I almost said maybe she should go to them.”

Four years later, Desiree has not looked back.

From Navy veteran to agility competitor, Desiree righted her ship when she set sail with Nala as her new first mate.

“Thank you so much,” she says. “She is my everything.”

Want to create more adoption success stories? Learn more about how you can support hero-pet adoptions through Pets for Patriots.