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 › Blind dog once spared death row now loved “to pieces” by Vietnam veteran who saved him

Blind dog once spared death row now loved “to pieces” by Vietnam veteran who saved him

January 21, 2019Dog tales

Blind dog once spared death row now loved “to pieces” by Vietnam veteran who saved him

In 2013 Jo Jo was a death row dog in need of a miracle. The now blind dog met Hugh, a Vietnam veteran who was – and remains – his savior.

Blind love

Mark Twain once said that “kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” If this is true then Jo Jo sees it all despite having lost sight in both of his eyes.

Several years ago the Chihuahua mix was slated for death at a Florida shelter. His previous neglect was severe. He was emaciated and half of his teeth had rotted from decay.

With so many animals in need of a home it is particularly difficult for dogs like Jo Jo to be adopted. But on that January day in 2013 his fortunes changed forever. With them changed the life of the Vietnam veteran who saw value in this little dog’s life.

“Jo Jo needed us in a special way. He had lived in a trailer with 31 other dogs and his nutrition was feces,” Hugh recalls. “He was so little and weak he couldn’t get to whatever food there was.”

A vigilant person reported the animal cruelty to the authorities and animal control brought all of the dogs to local animal shelters. Jo Jo ended up at Lake City Humane Society, one of our original shelter partners.

“We all know what happens to the weaker ones,” Hugh says of dogs like Jo Jo.

Blind dog once spared death row now loved “to pieces” by Vietnam veteran who saved him

At the time, Hugh’s granddaughter worked at Lake City Humane Society as a veterinary technician. She urged Hugh and his wife, Linda, to come down to the shelter, and told them about our partnership with them.

If he qualified, Hugh could adopt Jo Jo and have the adoption fee waived. The Vietnam veteran took his granddaughter’s advice to heart and went to the shelter.

“We did and we just connected,” Hugh says of meeting Jo Jo. “Love him to pieces.”

Life after the Vietnam War

Hugh is recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, a debilitating and progressive nervous system disorder. He admits that it has slowed him down a little, but he remains committed to the ragtag pack of pets he and Linda have acquired over the years.

“We have a couple of older horses, 32 and 33 years old,” he says. “We have four cats that we rescued and six dogs, all rescues. Our dogs are getting older right along with me and my wife.”

For Hugh, the couple’s pets are his therapy. In the 1960’s he served with the Army in Vietnam. Hugh’s wartime experiences are a vivid contrast to the loving and peaceful life he now leads.

Still, decades later, some awful memories endure.

“That was rough,” he shares, before recalling a particularly harrowing experience in An Khe Pass. “I was in a ditch laying on a board, trying not to make a sound,” he says, “and rats were crawling on my chest.”

Blind dog sees with his heart what his eyes cannot

Even as memories of the war linger, time has marched on.

Long since retired, Hugh still lives in Florida and together with his wife enjoys their family – two- and four-legged. And while Jo Jo continues to deliver his special brand of joy, over a period of several months Hugh noticed that his ex-death row dog was losing his vision.

Blind dog once spared death row now loved “to pieces” by Vietnam veteran who saved him

“JoJo’s been blind now for a few months,” Hugh says. “He has cataracts, and it happened almost overnight. We’re devastated.”

Hugh and Linda took Jo Jo to the veterinarian. The blind dog is in otherwise good health and likely a candidate for eye surgery.

“The surgery is kinda expensive and we are trying to get my little buddy’s eyesight back, even if it’s just one eye,” Hugh says.

Pets for Patriots maintains a hero fund to help pets adopted through our program receive life extending, life saving, and palliative care that is beyond the financial means of the veterans who saved them. Jo Jo is a possible candidate for such support.

Restoring some vision to the now blind dog would mean the world to Hugh, and of course to Jo Jo as well.

“I just love him,” the Vietnam veteran says. “He can be cantankerous, but just to see the fight in him from day to day as he has – and is – adjusting to his blindness is overwhelming. He runs into things from time to time, but we try not to move anything around.”

“Never be lonely again”

Despite Jo Jo’s vision loss, Hugh has no regrets having spared the now blind dog the ultimate fate. Although the little dog has some “digestive issues” – likely owing to his first four years of neglect and cruelty – the pint-sized pup has a big appetite.

Blind dog once spared death row now loved “to pieces” by Vietnam veteran who saved him

Jo Jo is larger than life in other ways, as well.

“He’s little and can be loud,” Hugh says. “He’s happy, weighs 4.9 pounds and loves me awful!”

Whether Jo Jo’s sight can be restored, in whole or part, remains to be explored. But Hugh has a message for other veterans who wonder whether a companion pet would enhance their lives.

“Do it!” he exclaims. “Never be lonely again. It’s good to give back, and these animals need us to care for them. The love they give back is never ending [and] they just want us to love them! What a blessing!!”

PreviousNext

8 comments

  1. Alyson says:
    April 10, 2019 at 1:22 pm

    Thank you for your service. I love the photo of your family of 4-legged children! JoJo is courageous, just like you.

  2. Craig Kleber says:
    February 2, 2019 at 11:36 am

    What a wonderful story of hope and kindness. Thank you.

  3. Mary Eaton says:
    January 23, 2019 at 10:16 am

    Hugh and Linda,
    What a great “family” picture of the “kids”! How you got them to all sit still long enough is a feat in itself! Smile. Thank you for sharing your story, for your love and support toward all your 4-legged friends and also for your years of service in our military.
    Mary

  4. CHERYL says:
    January 22, 2019 at 5:34 pm

    Thank you for loving Jo Jo and saving his life. He is safe and in a loving home. Thank you for your service to our country and now to Jo Jo and your other furry family members.

  5. Roy Hubbard says:
    January 22, 2019 at 3:27 pm

    Thanks for your service Hugh and for the love and compassion you have for these animals.I have two dogs and I volunteer at the humane society.Working with the animals is the best therapy because I have ptsd.I served 13 years in the army.You sir are a true “HERO” in my book and I wished their were more people like you.From one veteran to another god bless you and your animals.

  6. Christine says:
    January 22, 2019 at 11:33 am

    Yes there are so many incredible animals who are overlooked in shelters. I agree they do rescue us and show us resilience, love and forgiveness and move on in life. We can learn so many lessons from animals . You listened with your heart .

  7. ann marie says:
    January 22, 2019 at 10:42 am

    Hugh,
    There are so many animals that need rescuing. Thank you for taking care of the ones you have. I think they rescue us in return, giving us their unconditional love in return. I think it’s Gods way of showing us what unconditional love he has for us. God bless you.

  8. Panda J. says:
    January 22, 2019 at 10:20 am

    Thank you for your service, Hugh. And thank you for saving JoJo. I believe there is a special place in Heaven for those who take care of the defenseless, be they human or animal. You, sir, have and continue to do both. I know that you and your family will be doubly blessed for being so kind and giving. 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

Senior pets are among those most overlooked at she Senior pets are among those most overlooked at shelters. But one old dog is living proof that mature pets can breathe new life into their adopted homes.

Click the link in our bio to read the inspiring story of Chuck, a retired Coastie, and his 10 year-old bud Wayne!

Thank you @fairfieldcodog for this amazing match and waiving adoption fees for veterans we serve.

#coastguard #coastguardveterans #coastie #uscg #milspouse #militaryspouse #petsforvets #olddogs #olddogsrule #adoptaseniordog #weratedogs
Lance enlisted in the Marines in 2016 and ever sin Lance enlisted in the Marines in 2016 and ever since he separated from service he longed for the companionship of a rescue dog. 

The Marine Corps veteran met Marty, an adult Pittie mix, through @bmorehumane, which waives fees for veterans in our program.

In a 'freedom ride' message Lance shared with us he introduced Marty as his son - and we wish this new dog dad many happy years together with his new boy!!

#usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #marinecorpsveteran #devildog #pibble #dontbullymybreed #dontbullymybully #loveabully #adoptdontshop #petsforvets
Puppy mills are places of unspeakable cruelty. The Puppy mills are places of unspeakable cruelty. They exist solely because of greed and a callous disregard for the lives of animals.

Thanks to @bissellpets for sharing this informative graphic on how to spot a likely puppy mill. Please share in kind and - needless to say - always adopt, don't shop!

#adoptdontshop #endpuppymills #animalcruelty #animalcrueltyawareness #adoptionistheonlyoption #adoptashelterdog #adoptasheltercat #adoptashelterpet #rescueismyfavoritebreed
Maisie, Hawk, Mosley, Betty White, Annie, Sammy, T Maisie, Hawk, Mosley, Betty White, Annie, Sammy, Talahassee, Juju, Corn, and Pierogi - just some of the long term pets waiting way too long for a hero and a home. Meet all of our Forget Me Not pets and contact the shelters directly to inquire about adoption. Many are available for out-of-state placements; all are amazing creatures in desperate need of a loving home and all deserve no less.

Can't adopt? Share til it hurts!!

Click the link in our bio to meet them all.

#forgetmenot #weratedogs #weratecats #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterpet #adoptashelterdog #adoptasheltercat #cutedogs #cutedogsofinstagram #cutecats
Meet our recent "K" adopters, m'kay? * Kricket is Meet our recent "K" adopters, m'kay?

* Kricket is retired Navy and recently visited our partners @kitsaphumanesociety where she adopted not one, not two, but THREE petite pups! Reina pictured here is @petsforpatriots eligible, as is Remy (not pictured). But Kricket wasn't done saving lives because she threw yet another lifeline to Dior to round out her perfect petite pupper family! Thanks to @kitsaphumanesociety for giving our veterans 50% off adoption fees...anchors aweigh! 

* Konner served in the Air Force and together with his beautiful partner welcomed 4 year-old Hammer into their home. Formerly named Lucretia, Hammer is a beneficiary of our hero fund for veterinary care to help with the initial costs of prescriptions to ease pain from patellar luxation (a fancy way of saying: knee problems)! Another great fee-waived adoption through @dekalbanimals - part of the trio of @lifelineanimal shelters that participate in our program. 

Every animal saved from a shelter makes room for another animal in need to be rescued. It's estimated that only 25% of dogs and 29% of cats are adopted through shelters, numbers that are frankly pathetic. Please continue to advocate for adoption as the only option!

#adoptdontshop #adoptdontbuy #adoptashelterpet #adoptashelterdog #pitbulllove #loveabully #dontbullymybreed #cutepup #weratedogs #navyveteran #navy #airforceveteran #airforce #usaf #femaleveteran
The impacts of serving in the Gulf War left John w The impacts of serving in the Gulf War left John with crippling, severe anxiety. A spirited hound who needed a home would be just what the Army veteran needed to regain his life.

Click the link in our bio to read their tale, and thanks once again to @bmorehumane for another lifesaving match!

#army #armyveteran #milspouse #militaryspouse #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #ptsdawareness #anxiety #anxietyawareness #gulfwar #gulfwarveteran #petsforvets #houndsofinstagram #cutedogs #weratedogs #yourarenotalone
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
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.