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Patriot story: Michael and Frankie

ClosedDeadline: 10/12/2015

Story Details

Background:

Michael is retired Navy. He lives in Florida, where in April 2015 he adopted then four year-old Frankie (previously named Sammy) through our partnership with Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. Frankie is a snowshoe domestic shorthair and Michael renamed him because of his blue eyes (e.g., Frank Sinatra "old blue eyes").
  • Assignment goal is to synthesize the information provided by the member patriot into a compelling story
  • It is not necessary to tell the veteran's story in the order that s/he provided the information unless that is the best way to tell the story
  • It is not necessary to use all the quotes provided
  • You may make minor adjustments to the quotes only to correct for grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.
  • Punctuation always resides inside the quote marks, e.g., "like this," and not "like this",
  • Close the story with a compelling call to action or question based upon the story's narrative and place in italics at the end, e.g., What are you more willing and able to do now that you have a pet in your life?

Quotes:

Pet's Name
Frankie
A little about me
I'm a professor in the Medical Imaging Program at Palm Beach State College, working for a living after 20 years in the Navy.
My military experiences
Joined the Navy is 1987, after a few false starts ended up at Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes. Retired in '07 after 20 years and 4 days from the Island of Misfit Toys, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Liked the place so much I did 2 tours there, believing my detailer when he said it would be career enhancing. (it wasn't).
My most memorable experience from my time in service
I have lots of memories, almost too many to count, the thing that I remember the most are the many friends that I made over the years.
Why I chose to adopt through Pets for Patriots
I adopted through Pets for Patriots by accident, I didn't know about them until I saw the blurb on the website for the "cat orphanage" and decided to see what it was all about. After doing my research, I signed up, the day I got the approval we adopted Frankie.
How my honorably adopted pet has changed my life
Frankie is a very affectionate cat, my daughter Emily says he must have been a "street" cat because he doesn't meyow like a cat, he yips like a puppy. He loves table scraps, especially McDonald's french fires and likes to climb on my chest nuzzle in my beard and knead my neck. I think he was taken from his mama cat too soon. Frankie will do this to anyone who he catches sitting down anywhere in the house. I've attached a picture of him on my wife He is by far the most affectionate cat I have ever known. Wouldn't trade him for anything.
What I love most about my new pet friend
He is very affectionate, likes to sleep with you or on you. When he is beside you he will keep a paw on you to maintain physical contact.
What I would tell other veterans or service members who might be thinking about adopting through Pets for Patriots
Best thing you can do, you get to rescue a dog or cat and in the process you can help yourself out.