Patriot story: David + Finley

David, an Air Force veteran, lives in North Carolina. In October of 2017, he adopted a then 2 year-old Jack Russel & Dachshund mix named Finley (originally named Pixie Dust at shelter).  Partner shelter: SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina. We’ll provide you with contact information in case you need to contact veteran for further follow up.

Pet's Name
	Finley
A little about me
	I live in Hertford, NC and have ever since I discharged from the USAF in 1990. I have been married for 32 years to my wife Lori with two grown children Jonathan and Hannah. My wife and I, since becoming empty nesters have taken to adopting senior dogs and fostering those who need it through two great organizations, SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina and Currituck Animal Shelter.
My military experiences
	I joined the Air Force in 1985 to make a new life for me and my fiance. I did the usual basic training at Lackland AFB. Then continued on to my schooling at Chanute AFB for Aerospace Ground Equipment Mechanic. Once graduated, I requested an overseas assignment, which I received, at Zaragoza AB in Zaragoza Spain. After my assignment there, I was assigned to Holloman AFB in Alamogordo, NM. That was my last before returning to the civilian population.
My most memorable experience from my time in service
	I have two memories that relate to each other. When I was in basic training, one day we were on the obstacle course. After completing it, we were sat down and told the Space Shuttle Challenger had exploded. I can remember all of us sitting there in disbelief. Then we resumed are march back to the barracks. This leads me to my second memory. While stationed at Zaragoza, I was chosen to help setup and assist with a Space Shuttle Recovery team. Seeing that Zaragoza AB had the longest runway in the area, it could be diverted there.
Why I chose to adopt a pet
	We have always had pets in our lives. We had a few months prior, put a pair of our senior dogs to rest and our family was ready for a dog that was more active to keep our young beagle and senior beagle mix active.
Why I chose to adopt through Pets for Patriots
	I saw the program on the SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina website while looking at dogs and researched it further. I liked what I read about your organization and the benefits to the community and the animals that needed saving.
How my honorably adopted pet has changed my life
	Finley has brightened our household. She has accomplished everything we thought she would. She keeps our other dogs active. Even a 15 year old rescue we got this year. She has him playing, at least for a little while each day.
What I love most about my new pet friend
	The thing we most love about Finley is the way she is loving. She will jump up in your lap and lay her head on your chest just to be petted. She will burrow herself under the blankets and sleep right next to you. To know you are there. You move away and she will move next to you again.
What I would tell other veterans or service members who might be thinking about adopting through Pets for Patriots
	I would tell them that the benefits of having a new family member outweigh the negatives. I like the benefits that Pets for Patriots gives its members and the follow up you get from the organization. I hope all that can will make use of this.