A combat veteran driven to isolation by the loss of a fellow soldier gives—and gets—a second chance at life.

Unbearable loss

Matt served with the 101st Airborne from 2007 to 2012. He completed two deployments to Afghanistan—first from 2008 to 2009, and again from 2010 to 2011.

Known as the Screaming Eagles, the 101st Airborne is a rapid deployment force specializing in air assault operations. Among their many claims to fame is having been the first Allied soldiers to enter occupied France during WWII.

Life in the Army taught Matt discipline, loyalty, and courage. However it left lasting memories that were difficult to carry, even as time marched on.

“When I first got to Ft. Campbell I became friends with [a fellow soldier],” he says. “We had different MOSs [military occupational specialties] and different battalions, but the same brigade. On our second deployment right after I returned from R&R, I learned that [he] was killed in action and it devastated me.”

This profound loss would follow Matt for years after he left the Army.

Choosing life

Matt tried to rebuild his life after separating from service, but the weight of his friend’s loss was too much for the combat veteran to bear. To cope he withdrew from nearly every aspect of daily life.

“I became a shell of who I used to be,” he says. “I didn’t leave the house or even my bed most days, and I stayed that way for the better part of a year.”

One day Matt decided that he had enough, that he could not continue to withdraw from his life and family. So he grabbed his car keys to go for a drive, hoping to clear his mind.

“I somehow ended up at the Monroe County Friends of Animals–Eastbourne Animal Center in the town I lived in as a child,” he says.

“That’s when I learned of Pets for Patriots.”

The Eastbourne Animal Center offers fee-waived adoptions to veterans and Gold Star spouses in our program. Together we celebrate dozens of adoptions through our partnership.

Under previous management the shelter was known as Monroe County Friends of Animals.

Second chances

Shelter staff told the combat veteran about Pets for Patriots and our companion pet adoption program for veterans.

Our mission to help people save pets and pets save people spoke directly to Matt’s heart. He knew that he needed help to break the cycle of self isolation, to be more present in the lives of his children—and his own life as well.

“I decided to use Pets for Patriots because it helped me help a dog that needed a second chance,” he shares, “just like I needed one.”

Matt’s decision led him to Oakley, a then three year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix bursting with energy and personality. Like most animals in shelters, little is known about his previous life or how he became homeless. None of that mattered to Matt.

The Army combat veteran felt an instant connection. So on the very day he met Oakley, with his young daughters in tow, Matt and Oakley left the shelter to start their lives anew.

“…a blessing”

It is often said that companion pet adoption saves lives ‘at both ends of the leash.’ People and pets forever transformed by the unique bonds created through the noble act of rescue.

For Matt, Oakley has been a lifesaver. He no longer withdraws or isolates himself. His three young daughters got back their father. And everyone around the combat veteran has benefited from his rejuvenation.

“Oakley has been a blessing and is my best friend,” the Army veteran says. “Not only has he helped me feel like I have purpose again, he also got me interested in serving my community.”

Matt’s bond with Oakley inspired a new direction in life. He started working at the very shelter where their story began—helping to make lifesaving connections between people and animals in need.

“I took a job at the same shelter I adopted him from. And now I get to help others find their new families as well as giving the care and enrichment each animal needs.”

Giving back

Matt appreciates the ease of applying and adopting through our program. Our year of follow up lets him know that he is not alone. During this time we help our adopters with normal adjustment issues, and listen for opportunities to help where intervention may be useful.

“The process of working with Pets for Patriots was simply amazing,” he says. “They helped me along the way and have even reached out multiple times to check on Oakley and me.”

The combat veteran is not the only member of his household who has benefited from Oakley’s presence. His three young girls have an amiable, energetic dog sibling—more important, their father is more fully present in their everyday lives.

Matt uses his decision to adopt and his new role at the shelter as teachable moments for his children.

“My three daughters love him to the moon and back,” he says of Oakley. “I sometimes bring my daughters to work with me to teach them the value of hard work, and help the community where I grew up.”

“…I am not alone”

Every day, Oakley brings joy and light into Matt’s world. He has helped the Army veteran find renewed purpose, be a better father, and give back to his community as well.

“He is packed so full of energy and gets me up out of bed and makes me smile or laugh each day,” Matt says.

“At the end of the day he will snuggle up to me and sleep by my side as to remind me that I am not alone.”

Time and again we bear witness to adoption improving veterans’ mental, physical, and social wellbeing while saving the most at-risk shelter dogs and cats.

So Matt saves Oakley, Oakley saves Matt. A familiar trajectory of hope, even as each story is precious and unique.

“Oakley has truly been a blessing since I brought him home,” Matt says.

“Some will say that I’ve saved him when honestly he’s been helping me day to day.”