Patriot story: Jerry + Summer Sunshine

In 2015 Jerry adopted Summer Sunshine, a tripod black and white Pointer/Great Dane mix from Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center.  As a tripod, Summer is a special needs dog and despite being only about six months old when adopted, she qualified for our program.

Pet's Name
	Summer Sunshine
A little about me
	My wife, Sue Gaines, and I live on the Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk Va. We are both still working and enjoying an active life including concerts and bike riding. Our dogs play a very important part of our life. They love the beach and so look forward to their many walks and swims.
My military experiences
	Former USMC Ch53 pilot, '70 to '79 I entered the service to get the GI bill to further my education. My father was a retired Marine and I grew up as a dependant also.
Why I chose to adopt a pet
	If a dog does not like you then I probably will not either. It has often been said that a dog is the only animal/spirit that loves you more than they do themselves. The greatest part of a dog is their totally unconditional love. I have had dogs my whole life and always found comfort and solace in them.
Why I chose to adopt through Pets for Patriots
	I saw an ad on the internet and as I am always looking to give back to groups that support vets, it was a great match.
How my honorably adopted pet has changed my life
	I had always had a 'normal' dog. By that I mean not a special needs dog. Summer had lost her right rear leg through abuse at an early age of 3 months. Sue and I adopted her 3 months later. We have learned through her that there are no obstacles in life that are too big to be conquered.
What I love most about my new pet friend
	Summer is hard headed and very loving. She is so very social and really cherishes her comfort. Whether it is sleeping on my bed all day while I am gone or cuddling on the couch with me and Hippo (her doggie bro). She is always happy to see us whether we have been gone a few days or a few minutes. I do not think she knows the difference.
What I would tell other veterans or service members who might be thinking about adopting through Pets for Patriots
	I would tell them that you will never get a better mate or partner in life. No judgement, always loving, and will lay doen their life for you. Through Pets for Patriots you help yourself as well as other vets!!!

8/5/2015 Summer had to have another surgery on the other rear leg to remove the "femoral head" after she woke up one morning unable to move. She's doing fine but it was an additional $1500 in surgery fees. 6/17/2015 Spoke to veterans says the dog is approx 4 month old pit bull mix that was abused and thrown out of vehicle and had to have rear leg amputated.