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Wet Nose Blog
Home › Cat tales › Adult rescue cat changes lonely Marine veteran’s life “forever”

Adult rescue cat changes lonely Marine veteran’s life “forever”

March 13, 2023Cat tales, Mental health

Adult rescue cat changes lonely Marine veteran's life "forever"

Pet adoption was not in Linda’s plans until one day when the lonely Marine met a shelter cat who turned her life around.

An honorable daughter

Linda enlisted in the military to help her family and assist them in securing their residency. She served as an administrative specialist in the Marine Corps intelligence schools and, in 2022, separated from service. 

While recounting her experience in the Marine Corps, Linda reveals how trauma from service does not always come from enemy lines. 

The young veteran shares that she was subject to bullying and hazing. These problems are rarely discussed despite their seriousness and profound impacts on victims.

One study found that more than 12 percent of deployed soldiers are bullied, though female veterans more frequently report being victims of hazing.

Military personnel subject to these types of abusive, often degrading behaviors are at higher risk of Post Traumatic Stress, major depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

Linda’s immediate superior was arrested following an abuse investigation.

“When she left I was fairly new and [had] no experience in my job,” she explains. “This was memorable for me because I had to work really hard to get through the trauma and still become the best that I could be.”

Through courage and persistence the young Marine turned her difficult circumstances into a personal triumph.  

“I was never an animal person”

In 2022 Linda separated from the Marine Corps and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Although she had moved beyond the emotional abuse from her former superior, Linda felt lost and alone. Her father suggested that she consider adopting a companion pet.

Linda was hesitant.

“I was never an animal person,” she shares. 

Nonetheless, the lonely Marine decided to heed her father’s advise and visit Virginia Beach SPCA. While there she learned about Pets for Patriots and our companion pet adoption program for military veterans.

Since 2012, the shelter offers veterans in our program 25 percent off adoption fees and access to their low-cost veterinary clinic.

Despite Linda’s initial reluctance it did not take long for her to find her new best friend.

“I decided to adopt through [Pets for Patriots] because I found the organization wonderful,” she says. “I knew the pets that qualified for adoption would have a harder time getting adopted, so I chose to help one out.”

Rapunzel, Rapunzel

In early July 2022 Rapunzel was surrendered to the shelter. While there, the then five-and-a-half year-old tortie was showing signs of extreme anxiety – even to the point of being unmanageable at times.

Still, the fetching feline caught Linda’s eye. Perhaps the cat’s inner angst spoke to the lonely Marine who, in her own way, was experiencing anxiety as well.

And so it was that in the middle of August – just three days after being approved into our program – Linda and Rapunzel started their new lives together.

Happiness

The young veteran who once claimed she was “never an animal person” is now smitten with her new feline friend. 

Based upon her experiences Linda encourages other veterans who may feel lonely or alone to adopt a pet through Pets for Patriots.

“Having a pet is so special,” she says, “and this organization is awesome and inspiring.”

Despite Linda’s initial reservations, Rapunzel has filled her life with newfound happiness and Rapunzel is decidedly more relaxed than she had been at the shelter. While she is not the most demonstrative pet, Linda is quick to cherish those moments when the tortie chooses to show her affection.

“I love when Rapunzel cuddles with me,” Linda says. “She isn’t into being picked up and it’s really rare when she gives affection, so cuddling is always special.” 

It is difficult to know whose life has been transformed more.

At the time of their adoption Linda was a lonely Marine who was completely disinterested in adopting a pet. Were it not for her father’s urging she may have never visited the animal shelter.

During her stay at the shelter Rapunzel was 12 pounds of high anxiety. While kennel stress is not uncommon, the adult cat seemed unusually anxious. Now her days are filled with nothing but love and tranquility.

“Rapunzel has changed my life forever,” Linda says. “I never knew one could love an animal so deeply. She brings so much happiness to my life. I am genuinely happy with her.”

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2 comments

  1. Mary Eaton says:
    March 15, 2023 at 5:02 pm

    Thank you for your service, sharing your story and heeding your father’s suggestion Beth. You took a chance, saved a four legged furry from the shelter and got yourself a “treasure” in return. May the bond you have with Rapunzel be filled with purring and an outstretched paw for many years to come.

  2. Karen says:
    March 14, 2023 at 8:18 pm

    Semper Fi, Linda.
    I wish you and your Purrr-fect Cat 🐈 much happiness. Well Done Marine. Outstanding.
    Pets 4 Patriots is awesome, thanks Beth & Company for ALL that you all do for us.

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Clark retired from the Marines after more than 20 Clark retired from the Marines after more than 20 years of service to our nation. And in 2012 he was one of our early adopters - literally and figuratively - when he rescued then 2 year-old Ellie.

Ellie is now 13 and the pint-sized pup is still living large with Clark and his family, who recently gave us this heartfelt shoutout:

"Wanted to thank you for the many years of support your team has provided! It has helped out immensely over the years! Thank you all for what you have done and for what you continue to do."

Sounds like a mission accomplished to us!

Thanks to our partners @ranchocoastal - one of our earliest shelter partners - for this enduring match, and for continuing to waive adoption fees for veterans in our program.

#gotchadayanniversary #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #militaryfamily #usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #usmarines #usmarinecorps #petsforvets
Ahoy, mate! Noah retired from the Navy and just th Ahoy, mate! Noah retired from the Navy and just threw a lifeline to Kali, a stunning Cane Corso mix. This big, beautiful girl was in the care of our partners @norfolkanimals which gives veterans we serve 50% off adoption fees.

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Click the link in our bio to read their tale!

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Congratulations to nearly 9 year-old Holly Belle who's already made herself at home. She met Chuck through our partners @fredspca - which waives adoption fees for veterans we serve...oorah!

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L'shana tovah!

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Thanks to all of our shelter partners mentioned in this post - and across the country - who help us place animals in need with our nation's heroes.

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Jeff has always believed in doing the right thing Jeff has always believed in doing the right thing as his guiding philosophy. Eventually that attitude led the Marine Corps veteran to save a shelter dog who would forever change his perspective on adoption.

Click the link in our bio to read this truly inspirational tale!

#usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #usmarines #marinecorpsveteran #iraqwar #combatveteran #militaryfamily #cutedogsofinstagram #weratedogs #adoptdontshop #petsforvets #muttsrule
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May they all rest in heavenly repose with the knowledge that we will never waiver, we will always stand on the side of freedom, and we will never, ever forget.

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