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
    • 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 › Cat tales › Army soldier welcomes special needs cat into her young military family

Army soldier welcomes special needs cat into her young military family

June 27, 2021Cat tales

Army soldier welcomes special needs cat into her young military family

Jessica knows a few things about doing the right thing. So it was not surprising when the career soldier decided that a special needs cat would be the best choice for her growing family.

Called to serve

Our shared national tragedy inspired Jessica to enlist in the military.

“I chose to enter service shortly after 9/11,” she explains. “I felt a drive to right the wrongs done to our country.”

Jessica continues to serve in the Army and works in logistics, her field of expertise since graduating from college.

Like many veterans we serve it is the camaraderie Rebecca shares with other military personnel that she values above all.

“I most enjoy the community of military service, the new friends that become like family at every new assignment, and the people and families you see again and again throughout our careers.”

Right time, right place

Serving in the Army is extremely gratifying to Jessica, but it is not her only source of fulfillment.

“My husband and I have three young kids and we are still living the active duty Army life.”

It can be challenging for military children to cope with the uncertainties associated with having one or both parents are in service.

April is designated Month of the Military Child in an effort to recognize and address the unique experiences of children with parents who serve.

As it happens, dogs and cats can help children cope with the stresses of military life. They help fill the void of a deployed parent or guardian, and provide many physical and emotional benefits – including reduced anxiety and depression.

Jessica and her husband both grew up with pets and the couple was eager for their children know the joy of a pet sibling. But for years they put off plans to adopt a companion pet due to the demands of Rebecca’s military service.

“We love pets, but move a lot,” she shares, “so we had to wait for the right time.”

And when the time came it would be a special needs cat who tugged on Jessica’s heartstrings.

Waiting is the hardest part

It was late August 2020 and Jessica’s long wait was nearly over.

“For almost three years I had been feeling we needed a cat or dog to join our family,” she shares. “My husband and I always had them growing up and wanted to share that experience with my children.”

The Army soldier learned about Pets for Patriots and our companion pet adoption program for military veterans through one of our local partners, Virginia Beach SPCA. The shelter serves a community that is home to a large number of active, separated, and retired military personnel.

Virginia Beach SPCA offers veterans in our program a 25 percent adoption fee discount and access to their affordable veterinary clinic without proof of income eligibility.

Jessica appreciated the benefits we offer, but was moved by our focus on dogs and cats who are harder to place due to age, special needs, or other factors.

“When I found this program I was so grateful and appreciated they were encouraging veterans to find that companionship, but also to help the pets that are sometimes not the first choice for folks.”

The soldier and the special needs cat

At the time Minerva was a four year-old tabby cat in the care of the Virginia Beach SPCA.

The special needs cat had a history of sterile cystitis, a type of feline urinary tract disease. Treatment includes a special diet for life and eliminating environmental stressors that contribute to the condition.

Army soldier welcomes special needs cat into her young military family

Many would-be adopters shy away from pets like Minerva due to concerns about cost, the animal’s longevity, or inconveniences associated with their care.

But Jessica has never been one to shrink from challenges – she embraces them.

So on the very same day that the career soldier was approved into our program she signed Minerva’s adoption contract and brought her home.

Minerva the wise

Minerva’s addition to the family went as well as could be expected. Even the most well-mannered pets may need some retraining when they are adopted.

This special needs cat would be no different.

“A few little things here and there to adjust to with having a new pet,” Jessica shares, “but we are extremely happy with our choice and very grateful for the support your program provides.”

The special needs tabby cat loves to be pet and explore every nook and cranny of her new home. Like most cats, she fancies hiding on occasion as well, which has led to a favorite pastime for Jessica.

“I like taking photos of her in all her weird hideouts,” she shares.

But it is Minerva’s relationship with everyone in the household that Jessica loves most of all. Her children now have the same opportunity she had growing up to share their lives with a companion pet.

“Minerva has made a huge impact on every member of our family,” Jessica says. “She’s a great snuggler, wanting to sleep and snuggle with someone every night. She’s very vocal, sometimes at four or five am – but we love her personality.”

Take a chance on me

Our program’s focus on the most overlooked shelter dogs and cats is intended to inspire veterans to consider those animals most at risk of death or chronic homelessness.

Army soldier welcomes special needs cat into her young military family

With some exceptions, puppies and kittens rarely need additional incentives for people to adopt them. Yet the animals who are older, have medical needs, or who have been in the shelter for months or even years are the ones who need heroes the most.

Minerva is one special needs cat who found her hero: a career soldier who decided that adopting a special needs cat was not an act of sympathy, but of love.

Jessica credits Pets for Patriots with inspiring her to consider a cat who most adopters simply pass by.

“This program is so great, I would definitely recommend it. It encouraged us to look for a more mature pet and she is a great fit for us,” she says. “They are so giving and generous and follow up frequently to ensure your new pet family is doing well. The discounts are great also, especially if you are welcoming a pet with special needs as we chose to.”

PreviousNext

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

Can we please take a moment to behold Smokey's spe Can we please take a moment to behold Smokey's spectacular ears? 

Okay...moment over! 🤣 This hunky hound just hit the adoption jackpot when Annette and her husband - both Air Force veterans - added this 3+ year-old fella to their family. We thank these high-flying patriots for their service and for opening their hearts and home to this magnificent beast!

#staffysaturday #dontbullymybreed #loveabull #airforceveteran #militaryfamily #petsforpatriots
When you've got a great name like Jean-Paul, you j When you've got a great name like Jean-Paul, you just have to adopt a dog with a double name, too...like Russia Roo!

This sweet shepherd mix and her Army veteran dad became the 148th match through our partners @pgc_pets4us - which waives adoption fees for veterans in our program...woot!

#armystrong #armyveteran #shepherdsofinstagram #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #petsforpatriots
Henley was in a Virginia animal shelter until one Henley was in a Virginia animal shelter until one day when the coy cat chose a dual Navy couple as his own. In time he would prove his mettle as a “little therapy cat.”

Click the link in our bio to read this purr-fect adoption tale, and thanks to our partners @chesapeakehumane for helping us make it all happen!

#adoptasheltercat #navycouple #iserved #therapycat #petsforpatriots
Mila is mesmerizing!! This stunning 3 year-old mi Mila is mesmerizing!!

This stunning 3 year-old mix just set sail with Jared, who for more than 10 years and counting serves in the Navy. The pair were matched through our partners @kitsaphumanesociety which offers veterans in our program 50% off adoption fees. Anchors aweigh!

#navy #adoptashelterdog #kitsaphumanesociety #petsforpatriots #muttsrule
Megan serves in the Navy and just threw a lifeline Megan serves in the Navy and just threw a lifeline (and a cone!) to Little Man, a stunning adult cat she met through our partners @vbspca. Megan received a 25% adoption fee discount and has access to their low-cost veterinary clinic without proof of income - just a couple of the benefits of adopting through our partnership.

All we know is that this is one very lucky black cat! Smooth sailing, Megan and Little Man!

#blackcat #adoptasheltercat #femaleveteran #navyveteran #petsforpatriots
Last week we shared that Joan, Army veteran, bid h Last week we shared that Joan, Army veteran, bid her senior Pittie rescue and @petsforpatriots alum Jerry a peaceful trip over the Rainbow Bridge. 🌈

Joan knew she needed to dust herself off and save another 4-legged soul, so earlier this week she rescued 5 year-old Smokey, a stunning Cane Corso she met through our partners Baltimore County Animal Services, which gives veterans we serve 50% off adoption fees.

We're so honored that many veterans, like Joan, are repeat adopters through our program - embracing our mission to save the most vulnerable shelter animals while benefiting from their loyalty and love. ❤️

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

“I never knew one could love an animal so deeply. She brings so much happiness to my life."

Click the link in our bio to read this sweet tale, and thanks to @vbspca for another purr-fect match together!

#adoptasheltercat #loneliness #femaleveteran #marinecorps #beapetshero #petsforpatriots #youarenotalone
Cornelia was born and raised in France and her hus Cornelia was born and raised in France and her husband Ed in Belgium. Yet both served their adopted nation - Ed in the Navy and Cornelia in the Army. The pair met in New Jersey and married on Veterans Day more than 20 years ago.

These days the couple lives in an assisted living facility and, sadly, Ed's health is such that he's not always able to interact with Cornelia. She grew lonely and wanted nothing more than a little dog to love.

After months of searching, mission accomplished! Thanks to our partners @ywacpets for going the extra mile to help Cornelia find the perfect match:

"She's exactly what I needed and wanted.  She's 9 pounds of love.  She kisses me on the mouth and then turns on her back placing her neck over my mouth so I can kiss her and tell her I love her.  She sleeps with me and is being spoiled rotten by all the employees at the facility, directors on down." ~ Cornelia, US Army veteran ❤️

#armystrong #femaleveteran #adoptashelterpet #loverescuedme #petsforpatriots
Sometimes you can just see the JOY!! 🥰 Michael Sometimes you can just see the JOY!! 🥰

Michael is an Army veteran and just added 4 year-old Allie to his pack, which includes 12 year-old pup Roscoe and "a few others." Okay!

Thanks to our partners @baltcogov Animal Services for offering veterans we serve 50% off their already affordable adoption fees...woot!!

#armystrong #adoptionistheonlyoption #petsforpatriots #baltimorecounty #muttsrule
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.