Cherish is an Army veteran who saved the life of a dog who had a very rough start to life. But she insists that it is the dog—Wendell Ham—who gave life to her.

Our gratitude to Ventura County Animal Services for making story possible, as told in Cherish’s own words.

Mayor Wendell Ham Pumpkaboo III

I currently still live in Ventura, California, my hometown and the place I also raised my now adult son. I work in the same county and location I brought Wendell home from: Camarillo.

As a former active paramedic in the 911 system and mental health worker, I now work post-spinal injury as an EMS instructor helping others enter the field of emergency response. I do this while I am back in school working on a career in the psyche field.

My goal is to specialize in trauma and addiction for those who have served in our military or as a first responder, including other helping fields such as mental health, other medical, law enforcement, etc.

In my free time, when not grading papers or studying for my own exams or spending time with my son, Wendell and I continue training as well as exploring the best methods possible to connect with Wendell’s constituents.

I have become Mayor Wendell’s campaign manager although I’ll be the first to say: I do not know the first thing about political campaigns.

That being said, even with Wendell’s extensive political, educational and personal background, poor eyesight, poor hearing and skin problems, I don’t think he knows how to read. So, if he can learn new things, so can I.

Of course, Mayor Wendell’s campaign absorbs so much time in and of itself. Should he wear a bandana? Should he wear a formal tie? Should he eat the tie?

It’s a lot to consider when we have meetings on his public image.

“…service above self”

I joined the Army in 2003 and served one non-combat deployment, including time stateside. I am an MST (military sexual trauma) survivor. I do have other wonderful stories of working with fellow soldiers to accomplish the mission at hand, but outside of narrow guidance, this is all I can provide at this time.

Working with others to adjust, survive the process, and prioritize service above self is sewn into my bones.

Experiencing what it was like to put my life on the line for the greater good, and for those back at home, changes you for life. Especially during important developmental milestones. I had a desire to help others around the world by arriving with maximum skill, discipline, faith, and commitment to the mission at hand.

A shelter is not a home

I have experience adopting adult dogs from local shelters and from other local owners. Having had dogs my entire life and, on a couple of occasions, raising puppies, I knew the adorable draw of handling and caring for a brand-new puppy.

But I also knew there are perfectly good, faithful, and loving dogs out there that, if given the chance, would be the best family member anyone could ask for.

I could not and still cannot, in good faith, abandon those faithful family members sitting right now in a shelter.

I found you (Pets for Patriots) by Googling and searching for supportive animal services for veterans. Even with experience adopting dogs, I needed some help and guidance now that I had become permanently partially disabled after a spinal injury while on the job.

Our last dog, Sammy Bear, was a beautiful and faithful German Shepherd from Ventura County Animal Services, the same place I brought Wendell home from, and we were so fortunate to have him from 2013 until 2024.

I felt a lot had changed, and I had changed. My abilities had changed, both physically and mentally, so I wanted to make sure I was asking for help, following guidance, and connecting with the wonderful support that was available.

Loss and love

Again, even with a long history with animals—dogs, ducks, rabbits, pigs—and while raising a small child into teen years [and] adulthood, and as our beloved Sammy Bear aged, I had forgotten the impact a best furry friend could have on an individual.

By the time my back injury happened, Sammy Bear had earned a slower pace in life, and the years of his and my hikes were over.

Instead, he helped me teach my son how we age, what is required as we age, and how both painful and beautiful it can be to care for a loved one in their last days.

I waited several months after Sammy’s passing, communicated with my son about wanting to open my heart up to a new puppy, especially as he was turning into a young adult with the world at his feet.

That’s when I went to the shelter one afternoon and found Wendell.

Two works in progress

After adopting Wendell, he needed so much help.

Although we bonded instantly, he showed intense aggression and resource guarding toward anyone else. Pets for Patriots connected me with behavioral support via Zoom until I could put the money together to send Wendell for in-depth, one-on-one, bootcamp-style training.

After welcoming Wendell back home from his training—and with a much lighter pocket—I committed to ensuring he didn’t backslide on training and that I remained sensitive and empowered by his needs before an issue developed.

This meant despite back pain, depression, PTSD exacerbation, incredible fatigue, and at times an inability to walk unassisted without a cane or walker, I had to get out and get moving.

Wendell needed walks, community training opportunities, cuddles and squishes, and new ways to challenge his intelligence so he was stimulated.

I went from having a job to cover the basics in life to going out to find new hiking locations, new photo opportunities—for his campaign, of course—new smells, new visuals, and we are working on being able to board a flight.

Pup with a purpose

When my son was younger I had no choice but to move. I had to provide so we could survive and so he could thrive. After the injury and after he became a healthy, independent and busy young person, I struggled.

But now Wendell, my little piglet of a puppy, needs maximum support so we can live a good life. He also came with incredible health issues! Skin, other allergies, bad eyesight, hearing from neglect by previous owners, and something called Shar Pei fever that he suffers from intermittently, requiring me to provide him emergency IV fluids and medication.

Wendell has become an expensive dog. But I need to stay focused and keep working hard to pay for special ear cleaning, skin issues, and that terrible fever that comes. This is another purpose that motivates and moves me to get up again, no matter what.

I don’t know if Wendell changed my life. More so, he gave me one.

“…he gave me life”

[What I love about Wendell]. Everything. From his nose to his eyes to his little chocolate cookie paws. I love the opportunity to develop a story around him, both in lore and in the future.

Most importantly, he has inspired me with how hard he has worked to overcome whatever history he brought with him to the shelter.

One area that continues to inspire me is when he meets up with a body of water. When I first had him, he had to be carried over foot-level streams. He was terrified. After a whole winter, spring, and finally, summer season between the beach and a local small river, and fitted with a lifejacket that enabled him to float more than sink, I watched Wendell go from not being able to touch water, to diving in, swimming, getting his ball, and coming back to shore.

This is not easy for a chonky, non-buoyant Shar Pei! But my gosh. He worked so hard, and still works hard, to trust the person talking to him whether it’s me or someone else. He works hard to trust the tone, enthusiasm, and his own instincts.

He takes his daily meds for his mental and physical health, and he opens himself up to trusting others, with great improvement to quality of life. It reminds me of me. And, if he can do it, I can.

It sounds so cliché, and perhaps it is—but he gave me life.

First, love and heal thyself

Be open to seeing yourself within the animal about to enter your life. And the same way you treat that animal—from food, rest, interactions with humans, other playmates, to visits with a vet—is how you will treat yourself.

Maybe there’s room for improvement. Maybe the step you are taking to bring this soul into your life is evident that you have been taking care of yourself, and you’re ready to share this love and self-care with another.

Be open, ask for help, receive help, take your medication, give them theirs.

Life can be as simple as moving love from a simple word towards an action.

Once upon a time you were asked to maximize your proof of commitment to your country by your actions. Relive this through your animal, and therefore, for yourself.

If you do not take care of yourself, you cannot—and will not—take care of this soul you are asking to defend, love, and serve.

Cherish
Campaign Manager/Finance Director/Organizer/Communications/Photographer/Minnow Food Supply/Wrinkle Counter/Jowls Wiper/Poop Picker-Upper