Member Log In

Pets for Patriots

Companion pet adoption for United States military veterans and service members

  • Adopt a pet
    • How it works
    • Veteran benefits
    • Program availability
    • Proof of service
    • Eligible pets
    • Pre-qual application
  • Be a veterinary partner
    • How it works
    • Benefits
    • Criteria & eligibility
    • Application
  • Be a shelter partner
    • How it works
    • Benefits
    • Eligible pets
    • Criteria & eligibility
    • Application
  • Donate Now
    • Donate online
    • Ways to give
    • Spread the word
  • More
    • About us
      • Vision
      • Mission
      • Our team
      • Board of Directors
      • Financial accountability
      • Year in review
      • Program availability
    • Making an impact
      • Forget Me Not
      • The Wet Nose Blog
      • Partner News
      • Donor News
      • Home at last
      • Welcome Home
      • Hotel to Home
    • Friends & Partners
      • Veterinarian partners
      • Shelter partners
      • Sponsors
      • Banfield
      • VIP Petcare
      • Community partners
    • Resources
      • Donor FAQ
      • Veteran FAQ
      • Shelter FAQ
      • Veterinarian FAQ
      • Other resources
    • Connect with us
      • In the news
      • Free wallpaper
      • Contact us
Wet Nose Blog
Home › Dog tales › Affectionate shelter dog teaches naval officer important life lessons

Affectionate shelter dog teaches naval officer important life lessons

October 3, 2022Dog tales

Affectionate shelter dog teaches Naval officer important life lessons

Jennifer serves in the Navy Medical Service Corps and knows a few things about caring for others. Still, it would be an affectionate shelter dog who would school the young officer about other meaningful lessons in life.

A tradition of service

Patriotism and a family history of military service inspired Jennifer to enlist in the Navy.

“I joined to give back to my country,” she shares, “and to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps.”

Jennifer’s caring heart and desire to help others led her to the Navy Medical Service Corps (MSC). It boasts thousands of officers serving across more than 30 diverse health care specialties, such as aerospace physiology, physical therapy, and radiation health.

For the past two years Jennifer has been stationed at a naval hospital clinic. However, not all of her military career has been served onshore. She recounts fond memories of serving aboard an aircraft carrier.

“One memorable experience was getting to hit the button to catapult a plane off the flight deck while out to sea,” she recalls. “It was an awesome way to see how important all of our jobs are to carry out the mission. It also was really fascinating to see all the math and technology that is behind launching and catching aircraft.”

When she is not at work Jennifer enjoys exploring the Hampton Roads community with her fiancé. These adventures now include the latest addition to their family: an affectionate shelter dog adopted through Pets for Patriots.

And then there were two

In early 2022 Jennifer had an astute realization that the couple’s senior dog might benefit from a canine companion. And the naval officer makes no bones about her passion for adopting pets, not shopping for them.

“I’ve always loved animals, especially shelter animals,” she says.

“My first dog, Izzie, is 11 years old now and still very sprightly. However, I thought it would be a good idea to adopt a second dog to give her company, give another dog a home, and further bond our family together.”

So in April, Jennifer and her fiancé visited Norfolk SPCA.

Since 2015 the shelter waives adoption fees for veterans in our program who adopt eligible dogs and cats.

Together we have made dozens of adoptions through our partnership. And it was there that Jennifer discovered Pets for Patriots and the benefits we offer to make lifetime pet guardianship more affordable.

“I found out about the program at a shelter, where I saw the flyer,” she recalls. “It seemed like a great way to make adopting a dog more affordable while offering more support than traditional means.”

Jennifer applied to our program and was approved. The Navy officer appreciated how every step of our process was easy and moved her closer to adoption.

“I would definitely recommend your program!” she says. “You provide so many resources I never imagined I would have access to. I think working with you has been an incredibly smooth process.”

However, it would be nearly two more months til Jennifer would meet an affectionate shelter dog to join her growing pack.

Rescue me

Introducing a new dog to your resident dog properly is essential to nurture a harmonious relationship. Jennifer was wise to take her time to find the right dog not only for herself and her fiancé, but for their senior dog Izzy, as well.

Myla was a then three year-old Pug and Cattle Dog mix in the care of our partners Norfolk SPCA. She was homeless through no fault of her own just like millions of dogs and cats who enter animal shelters every year. Still, her kind, playful demeanor shined through despite the typical stressors of shelter life.

In the end, the affectionate shelter dog made an impression on Jennifer. In June the pair were adopted, nearly two months after the naval officer was accepted into our program.

Myla’s new chance at life deserved a new name. From that day forward she would be known as Ginger.

“She has taught me patience”

Sometimes people with senior pets are concerned about bringing a younger animal into their home. They are concerned that differences in age, agility, and energy level will lead to conflict. However, these differences often uplift the more mature pet, who in turn tutors the new animal in the rules of the roost.

Izzie and Ginger have found their way after a brief and occasionally rocky introduction. And Ginger’s loving manner has endeared her to her new human guardians. She is an equally able cuddle and exercise partner.

“She’s very affectionate, which is adorable,” Jennifer shares. “She believes she is a lapdog and is not shy about it. She’s very good at catching toys in the air, which is a great party trick. We enjoy playing and running together.”

Still, life is not all fun and games – even for an affectionate shelter dog who hit the adoption jackpot. Jennifer credits her rescue pup with imparting some important life lessons.

“She has taught me patience! She has increased my ability to understand how to take care of others, especially a very youthful dog. She is a very lovable dog and I’m excited to continue getting to know her and her personality.”

Jennifer has a full and busy life and did even before rescuing Ginger. Naval officer, loving partner, senior dog mom – just a few of the roles and responsibilities that comprise her day. But she still found room in her heart and home for a dog who needed both. And in return, Ginger has invested her new family with a breath of fresh air that they did not even know they needed.

“Ginger really seemed to hit that mark,” Jennifer says. “She’s a very sweet dog who loves company, and has certainly given our family an infusion of energy.”

Did you enjoy this story?
Don’t miss the next one.

Sign up for our newsletter

PreviousNext

2 comments

  1. Jacquelyn says:
    October 5, 2022 at 7:37 pm

    I would also like to thank you for your service. It’s so good another pet has found a loving home. May you have many happy years and memories together!

  2. Panda J. says:
    October 4, 2022 at 4:35 pm

    Thank you for your service, Jennifer. Ginger is adorable, and I know that she will return your faith in her many times over. I truly believe that a rescued pet knows that they were saved by their human, and spends the rest of their life thanking them for their love. God Bless you and your family.

Comments are closed.

Join the Conversation

  • Cat tales
  • Dog tales
  • Hope for a home
  • Mental health
  • Extra
  • Pet training & health
  • Donor News


Give with Confidence

logo logo logo logo
Make a donation today
email-icon

Did you enjoy this story?
Don’t miss the next one.

Sign up for our newsletter and get stories like these directly in your inbox.


The Dodo and GEICO honor Pets for Patriots adoptions by sharing their heartwarming tales

WATCH THE VIDEOS

Petco Foundation

PetMeds Logo 300x250

Shop 1800PetMeds for all of your pet’s health needs and we’ll get 10% of your purchase!

Shop Bissell Today!

Shop BISSELL for your home cleaning needs and they will donate 10% of your purchase to us!

Join the Conversation

Stay Connected

Join the conversation, read recent adoption stories, view featured pets needing new homes and more.

Twitter

@petsforpatriots

Follow Us

Instagram

@petsforpatriots

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.

Click to the next photo to see their freedom ride pic!

#canecorsoofinstagram #canecorso #bigdogs #bigdogsofinstagram #bigdogstrong #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterpet #adoptashelterdog #weratedogs #navyveteran #navy #usn #usnavy #norfolkva
CJ is a disabled Marine veteran who finds joy in t CJ is a disabled Marine veteran who finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, including the addition of an older cat who joined her after the loss of a beloved pet.

Click the link in our bio to read their tale!

Thanks @sdhumanesociety for helping us make this purr-fect story possible and for waiving adoption fees for veterans in our program. ❤️

#sdhumanesociety #femaleveteran #usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #cats_of_instagram #cutecat #cutecats #cutecatsofinstagram #nalacat #adoptasheltercat #adoptaseniorpet #oldcatsofinstagram #oldcats #twoisbetterthanone
You know it's love when your new Marine Corps dad You know it's love when your new Marine Corps dad gives up his armchair for you. ❤️

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!

#olddogsrule #seniordogsofinstagram #adoptaseniordog #adoptaseniorpet #olddogsofinstagram #cutedogs #weratedogs #usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #iserved #iadopted #petsforvets
Wishing all of our Jewish friends around the world Wishing all of our Jewish friends around the world a sweet New Year, especially the men and women of the U.S. military who serve in all corners of the world in defense of our freedoms, including the freedom to practice (or not) the faith of our choosing.

L'shana tovah!

#lshanatova #lshanahtovah #roshhashana #roshhashanah #happynewyear #jewishnewyear #freedom #freedomofreligion #sweetnewyear
Meet two of our recent cat-tastic heroes: * Tim i Meet two of our recent cat-tastic heroes:

* Tim is active duty Army and just became cat dad to Iceburg - one cool cat (sorry, we couldn't resist)! Thanks to @jeffcospca for this purr-fect match and for giving veterans we serve $100 adoption fees.

* Andre is an Army National Guardsman with a heart for older pets. He met 11 year-old Camo (great name!) through our partners @nfsaws in Connecticut, which offers our veterans 50% off adoption fees.

#cats_of_instagram #adoptasheltercat #adoptashelterpet #adoptdontshop #nalacat #whitecat #calicocat #seniorpetsofig #adoptaseniorcat #armylife #army #army #armynationalguard #petsforvets #realmenlovecats
It's adoptapalooza "J" edition! * Jonasia is an A It's adoptapalooza "J" edition!

* Jonasia is an Army veteran who visited our partners @bmorehumane and added 3 year-old Josey to her family. This gorgeous hound and her adorable human sister are both so pretty in pink...twinning!

* James is an Iraq war veteran who needed the comfort of a 4-legged battle buddy. Three year-old Nami fit the bill after being in the care of our partners @lollypopfarm!

* Jacob is active duty Army and met Charlemagne at @jeffcospca where this stunning Shepherd-Retriever mix just fetched a new home!

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.

#adoptdontshop #armyveteran #army #armystrong #houndsofinstagram #muttsrule #petsforvets #femaleveteran #iraqwar #militaryfamily #militaryfamilies #battlebuddies
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
22 years after the 9/11 terror attacks we continue 22 years after the 9/11 terror attacks we continue to honor the lives of thousands of souls lost that day and in the years that followed, including two as yet unnamed victims identified within the last few days.

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.

#september11 #neverforget #neverforgotten #nineeleven #911 #worldtradecenter #marines #army #coastguard #navy #airforce #fdny #nypd #rip #waronterror #freedom #freedomisntfree #shanksville #pentagon
Follow Us

© 2023 Pets for Patriots, Inc. | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Contact us

email-icon

Let’s keep in touch.

Sign up for our newsletter to get recent adoption stories, featured pets needing new homes and more directly in your inbox.

email-icon

Let’s keep in touch.

Sign up for our newsletter to get recent adoption stories, featured pets needing new homes and more directly in your inbox.

email-icon

Let’s keep in touch.

Sign up for our newsletter to get recent adoption stories, featured pets needing new homes and more directly in your inbox.