Patriot story: Ron + Doodlebug (Beth will write)

In August of 2016 Ron, an Army veteran, adopted a two year old Cockapoo named Doodle/Doodlebug from Anne Arundel County Animal Control. He is an Vietnam, Iraq, and Afganistan veteran.

A little about me
	After living in Maryland for several years my wife and I located to Leavenworth, KS so that she could finish out her Federal Service in a small town environment. I am retired and volunteer in the local community. My full time job is now making everyday living easier for my wife while she finishes up her Federal Career.
My military experiences
	After using my student deferment to complete my college education and receiving #29 in the military lottery I decided to enlist and spent 12 years in the Strategic Air Command serving in Vietnam and then, after a break-in-service, completed my time with the Army National Guard in Annapolis, Maryland just in time to be in uniform for the Afganistan and Iraq Conflicts. Participated in the Hostage Rescue when Carter left office. No regrets on either. Made some of the best friends ever. People of honesty and integrity. Got to see places I never read about. Favorite station was Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. LOVED Thule Greenland and the Eskimo People.
My most memorable experience from my time in service
	Good and Bad: Friends and people I met while serving. Disrespect shown upon returning.
Why I chose to adopt a pet
	Was pushed to adopt a dog by my wife who, as always, knew best as to what we both needed. When Pets for Patriots could away the last excuse I had my wife forced me to make the best decision that I ever made. As it turns out I didn't know what I needed until Doodlebug came along.
Why I chose to adopt through Pets for Patriots
	Sadly I used $ as an excuse not to adopt. Pets for Patriots took that excuse away from me. They made is simple and ease to complete the paperwork prior to looking and once we found our forever friend all it took was a call for the shelter to verify approval and we went home with Doodlebug
How my honorably adopted pet has changed my life
	Made me feel appreciate. When I decided to stay in uniform after the collapse of South Vietnam and Congress rewarded me and other Nam Veterans by passing a law (only time in history) to take away our GI Bill, and America spit on us upon our return to the States Doodlebug came along and changed all that.
What I love most about my new pet friend
	His love and acceptance of me regardless. How he constantly gets his stuffed toys and brings us to play fetch with him. How he leans against us and cuddles in bed at night. How he fidgets his way under the covers when he is cold. How he avoids going to the bathroom in the house and scratches the door when he needs to go out. ......................................
What I would tell other veterans or service members who might be thinking about adopting through Pets for Patriots
	Pets for Patriots seeks to provide pets to eligible veterans at no cost to the veteran. They ask for NOTHING in return. No other organization does more for veterans. I will remember them always in my holiday donation as well as in my Estate Planning. PLEASE consider patronizing an organization that truly has veterans well-being in their hearts.

11/19/2017 Me and my buddy just chilling out in Provincetown, Cape Cod. I just had my yearly lobster roll and Doodle has his biscuit. Thank you for helping me keep my PTSD in check. Haven't wanted to hurt anyone since I got Doodle. 12/8/2016 With the holidays upon us I wanted to take one more opportunity to thank you for providing me with my new best friend. He is at the door when I come home and my wife says that he just sits by the window waiting when I am gone. When the time comes you will all be remembered in my Will. 11/9/2016 Here is my favorite Patriot (my husband Ron) and his pal Doodlebug. Ron credits Doodle with helping him relax and bringing so much joy into his life. A BIG THANK YOU from us both to Pets for Patriots! Christine and Ron