After the passing of his previous pets John knew that he would eventually adopt again. A cuddlesome rescue dog is proving to be not just the dog he wanted, but the dog he needs.
Dining in the danger zone
John served in the Marine Corps for 13 years as a food service specialist. A famous quote attributed to Napoleon—”an army marches on its stomach”—highlights the critical role these professionals play in maintaining troop moral and readiness.
Many people do not realize that support personnel serve in dangerous places all over the world. While they may not be on the front lines in combat, all war and conflict zones are dangerous by nature. Supply lines—food chief among them—are lifelines.
“I have served two tours in Iraq,” John shares. “Both in Fallujah.”
John has some good memories from his more than decade of service. One highlight was receiving a coveted award for his craft.
“Being part of the two teams that won the Marine Corps field mess competition, during my last three years in.”
Have mercy on me
In time John would settle in the Atlanta suburbs. He works as a county building inspector despite earning his bachelors degree in recreation management. Life was humming along until 2025, when the Marine Corps veteran bid goodbye to precious family pets.
The quiet and stillness of a dog-less house was deafening.
By October John was ready to save another four-legged soul. The benefits we offer inspired him to adopt from one of several shelters we work with in the greater Atlanta area. He encourages other veterans to consider adopting through Pets for Patriots, too.
“Not only do they help financially,” he explains, “but they could potentially put you in touch with a rescue that you did not know about that could lead to finding the right fur friend.”
John’s perfect match would turn out to be a cuddlesome dog who thrives on showering her people with affection.
Cuddlesome canine
At the time of John’s search Mercy was a two year-old pocket Pit Bull mix in the care of Furkids. Since 2017 the shelter waives adoption fees for members of our program who adopt eligible dogs and cats.
Little is known about Mercy’s life prior to entering Furkids. The only thing that mattered was that she was a dog who needed someone to love. So just two weeks after being approved into our program John gave Mercy what she needed—and she returned the favor in kind.
The Marine Corps veteran renamed his new charge Nugget, a fitting name for this chunky, low-riding girl.
It took no time at all for Nugget to make herself at home and enliven John’s household with her sweet eccentricities, like how she sticks out her tongue when lounging about. But it is her affectionate nature that stole the Marine veteran’s heart. He loves her cuddlesome nature, even if he is not always in the mood for it.
Still, Nugget persists. Nothing dampens her enthusiasm and love for her new family. Every day is an opportunity to welcome her people home.
“She makes coming home from work entertaining,” John says, “by showing how much we were missed during the day.”
So happy you and Nugget found one another! I hope you have many years of happiness together.