Dogs have long held a special place in William’s heart. So it is no surprise that the veteran K9 handler would spend his retirement saving senior dogs.

Aiming high

Faith, family, and fidelity have guided William’s life for as long as he can remember.

“I’m a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ,” he says.

William believes in the greatness of our nation as well. So upon graduating high school he enlisted in the Air Force. Acceptance into the sentry dog unit was a highlight of his military career.

These highly trained handler-dog teams are tasked with security of Air Force bases, personnel, and military assets.

“After handler training,” he says, “my dog Champ was selected to be profiled in the United States Air Force magazine.”

For his entire tour of duty William served with the 4392nd Combat Defense Squadron, Strategic Air Command at Vandenberg Air Force Base—known now as Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Upon leaving the Air Force William returned to civilian life to continue his service to others.

A life of service

These days William and his wife call the Kitsap Peninsula home. They enjoy life on their small acreage property, where William at times reflects on a life well lived.

“I’m retired,” he says, “after working military, law enforcement, corporate security, as a job coach for disabled adults, and a community specialist for wounded warriors.”

Yet even in retirement William finds ways to give back. He volunteers at his local animal shelter, and always chooses adoption when it is time to welcome another four-legged soul into his household.

“I have always had a dog in my life,” the former K9 handler explains.

“I always adopted senior dogs from the animal shelter as it seems most people want younger dogs. I had four at one point, but the last one passed away and left a hole in my heart.”

So in early spring 2025, while still grieving his loss, William made a decision that would change his life and that of a homeless senior dog.

Super senior

“I was volunteering at the local shelter and saw the Pets for Patriots flyer,” he shares.

“Wanting to fill the emptiness and seeing the history of the senior dog Sadie, I applied for the program.”

That shelter is Kitsap Humane Society. Since 2011 the organization offers our members half-priced adoptions for eligible dogs and cats.

William not only appreciates the discounted adoption fee, but the other benefits we provide to help make pet adoption more affordable.

At the time Sadie was a 12 year-old, 30-pound terrier mix. Older dogs and cats face grim prospects for adoption. By some estimates, only a quarter of senior animals—typically considered those age seven and older—are adopted out of shelters. The rest face death or chronic sheltering.

So in early March 2025, William gave Sadie what every shelter animal needs and deserves: a loving, permanent home.

“…a new lease on life”

The veteran K9 handler has no regrets about adopting a dog in the sunset of her life. William’s deep faith guides him to see the value in every life, including those of older animals who few others seem to want.

And Sadie adjusted to her new family with ease, contrary to common misperceptions that old dogs are incapable of adapting to new people and environments, or learning new things.

“Sadie has completely embraced our home, heart, and life. She is a member of the house, one of our family members,” William shares.

Sadie’s graying snout belies her zest for life. She enjoys leisurely walks, car rides, and sharing her affection with plenty of couch cuddles.

But the love and healing goes both ways. Sadie’s joyful presence helped William work through the grief of losing his previous dog. Her mere presence gives the former K9 handler renewed purpose.

William encourages other veterans to consider adopting a pet in need through our nationwide program.

We serve veterans from WWII to active duty and from all armed forces. And most recently our programs are open to spouses of fallen service members, who are worthy of our gratitude as well.

“I highly recommend Pets for Patriots,” William says. “It not only rewards the patriots, but gives the pet a new lease on life.”