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 › Cat tales › Devotion to special needs cats helps Navy veteran battle major depression

Devotion to special needs cats helps Navy veteran battle major depression

August 12, 2019Cat tales, Mental health

Devotion to special needs cats helps Navy veteran battle major depression
Alexandra the great

Alexandra is a courageous and inspiring human being.

The Navy veteran was hospitalized for severe depression not long after adopting two special needs cats through our program. We are grateful that she chose to share her story.

Two special needs cats are better than one

Alexandra adopted Atlas through our partners Norfolk SPCA in the waning days of 2018. The shelter offers fee-waived adoptions for veterans who rescue program eligible dogs and cats through our partnership.

At the time Atlas was just under one year-old and diagnosed with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), qualifying him as a special needs cat.

FIV can lead to serious illness if a cat does not lead a healthy lifestyle, fails to be monitored regularly, or if minor infections are left untreated.

Nearly one month later Alexandra decided to adopt a feline friend for Atlas so that he would have company while she was at work. While several years apart – Penguin was already six years old at the time – the two cats already shared a bond.

Penguin is FIV-positive, too.

Still, Alexandra was overjoyed to have these special needs cats as family.

“He is a sweet cat and I am happy to have him home with me,” she says about Penguin. “Thank you all for the opportunity to have these sweet babies to come home to. It has been a very positive influence on my life as a service member.” 

Life took a dark turn just a few months later, however. Alexandra shares her experience battling major depression – and how her special needs cats made her realize that life is worth living.

This is Alexandra’s story, in her own words.

From Alexandra, with love

I wanted to first thank you for reaching out to check on the three of us.

I would also like to thank you again for the recommendation to Owl Creek Veterinary Hospital in Virginia Beach. They have been so compassionate and diligent during and following every one of my visits, and I could not have asked for a more caring clinic to help with all of my fur family’s medical needs. 

Devotion to special needs cats helps Navy veteran battle major depression

Atlas and Penguin have been the most amazing companions I could have welcomed into my home. They also have the funniest personalities.

If you were curious, Penguin is definitely the most talkative one! They have adapted seamlessly to life with me, which I am also grateful for.

From the depths of darkness, there is love

The love I feel for them and they for me has lifted me out of my darkest moments in life.

When I felt I could not possibly face another day, I remembered my purpose of caring for them and keeping them safe.

I was recently hospitalized for about a week recovering from a deep depression that left me with a desire to escape the world. My neighbor had been gracious enough to watch my house and the cats while I was being treated, so I know they were more than cared for. 

Despite the reason behind my admission to the hospital, the only times I felt truly sad were fueled by how much I missed Atlas and Penguin.

“They give me purpose and meaning”

The want to be in the comforts of home with these two innocent, loving creatures drove me to engage fully in my own self-healing and gave me the strength I needed to overcome the doubts I had been subdued by.

I was so worried that when I returned home they would ignore me or feel abandoned. But as soon as I stepped through the door of my house, they would not leave my side.

The experience has certainly not been easy, but it has helped me to appreciate those sweet moments that much more.

I am so grateful to have them in my life. They give me purpose and meaning, and I love them both very much.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at Pets for Patriots for helping us, from the bottom of my heart. 

PreviousNext

7 comments

  1. 7m says:
    September 4, 2019 at 10:00 am

    I also see you were recently hospitalized for about a week and you stated you were recovering from a deep depression that left you with a desire to escape the world. I hope and pray that feeling has since passed from your mind, you have to much to live for!

  2. Dave Rivers says:
    August 18, 2019 at 2:46 pm

    I have 2 cats as well. Although they don’t always get along they appreciate each others company.

  3. Gary Gonzalez says:
    August 14, 2019 at 12:12 am

    What a beautiful and wonderful tale, Alexandra… Your inner strength & courage give us all HOPE! Thank you for being Brave enough to share your story; you have no idea how many of us you Inspire… I am so happy for you, Penguin & Atlas : ) Much Love & Healing to ALL of You!!! God Bless 😺😃😸

  4. John A. Smaldone says:
    August 13, 2019 at 5:58 pm

    Alexandria,

    I know I speak for everyone when I say thank you for sharing your story with us, I know it must have been very difficult for you to open up.

    I also see you were recently hospitalized for about a week and you stated you were recovering from a deep depression that left you with a desire to escape the world. I hope and pray that feeling has since passed from your mind, you have to much to live for!

    Atlas and Penguin sounds like they are a big reason for you to be part of this world, they need you and I know many others need you as well. Remember what you said, “The love you feel for Atlas and Penguin and the love they have for you, lifted you out of your darkest moments in life.” Nothing has changed my veteran friend! Atlas and Penguin probably give you more of a purpose and meaning in life now that you are back home from the Hospital.

    We are all rooting for you, have faith and root yourself on in a Big way, you have a lot of people that care about you.

    God speed,

    John A. Smaldone
    US Air Force Veteran

  5. Mary Eaton says:
    August 13, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    You have saved each other. And in such a good way. Thank you to your neighbor who stepped in to help with the fur babies while you were away. Pets for Patriots, thank you as well for your continued support and follow-up.

  6. Sam Kliver says:
    August 13, 2019 at 12:23 pm

    Congrats on your new found independence. Not only is EVERY animal very special in each there own way BUT also each true animal lover sooo special, each in there own way!! Animals are the best doctors in the whole wide world in my opinion. So happy for all 3 of you. May your life be full of peace, hope and most of all love. Thanks for sharing your story. You made my day. Now I have to go take care of my fur babies!!

  7. John Meyers says:
    August 13, 2019 at 10:29 am

    Thanks for sharing your story with all of us!

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

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
You know it's love when your new Marine Corps dad You know it's love when your new Marine Corps dad gives up his armchair for you. ❤️

Congratulations to nearly 9 year-old Holly Belle who's already made herself at home. She met Chuck through our partners @fredspca - which waives adoption fees for veterans we serve...oorah!

#olddogsrule #seniordogsofinstagram #adoptaseniordog #adoptaseniorpet #olddogsofinstagram #cutedogs #weratedogs #usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #iserved #iadopted #petsforvets
Wishing all of our Jewish friends around the world Wishing all of our Jewish friends around the world a sweet New Year, especially the men and women of the U.S. military who serve in all corners of the world in defense of our freedoms, including the freedom to practice (or not) the faith of our choosing.

L'shana tovah!

#lshanatova #lshanahtovah #roshhashana #roshhashanah #happynewyear #jewishnewyear #freedom #freedomofreligion #sweetnewyear
Meet two of our recent cat-tastic heroes: * Tim i Meet two of our recent cat-tastic heroes:

* Tim is active duty Army and just became cat dad to Iceburg - one cool cat (sorry, we couldn't resist)! Thanks to @jeffcospca for this purr-fect match and for giving veterans we serve $100 adoption fees.

* Andre is an Army National Guardsman with a heart for older pets. He met 11 year-old Camo (great name!) through our partners @nfsaws in Connecticut, which offers our veterans 50% off adoption fees.

#cats_of_instagram #adoptasheltercat #adoptashelterpet #adoptdontshop #nalacat #whitecat #calicocat #seniorpetsofig #adoptaseniorcat #armylife #army #army #armynationalguard #petsforvets #realmenlovecats
It's adoptapalooza "J" edition! * Jonasia is an A It's adoptapalooza "J" edition!

* Jonasia is an Army veteran who visited our partners @bmorehumane and added 3 year-old Josey to her family. This gorgeous hound and her adorable human sister are both so pretty in pink...twinning!

* James is an Iraq war veteran who needed the comfort of a 4-legged battle buddy. Three year-old Nami fit the bill after being in the care of our partners @lollypopfarm!

* Jacob is active duty Army and met Charlemagne at @jeffcospca where this stunning Shepherd-Retriever mix just fetched a new home!

Thanks to all of our shelter partners mentioned in this post - and across the country - who help us place animals in need with our nation's heroes.

#adoptdontshop #armyveteran #army #armystrong #houndsofinstagram #muttsrule #petsforvets #femaleveteran #iraqwar #militaryfamily #militaryfamilies #battlebuddies
Jeff has always believed in doing the right thing Jeff has always believed in doing the right thing as his guiding philosophy. Eventually that attitude led the Marine Corps veteran to save a shelter dog who would forever change his perspective on adoption.

Click the link in our bio to read this truly inspirational tale!

#usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #usmarines #marinecorpsveteran #iraqwar #combatveteran #militaryfamily #cutedogsofinstagram #weratedogs #adoptdontshop #petsforvets #muttsrule
22 years after the 9/11 terror attacks we continue 22 years after the 9/11 terror attacks we continue to honor the lives of thousands of souls lost that day and in the years that followed, including two as yet unnamed victims identified within the last few days.

May they all rest in heavenly repose with the knowledge that we will never waiver, we will always stand on the side of freedom, and we will never, ever forget.

#september11 #neverforget #neverforgotten #nineeleven #911 #worldtradecenter #marines #army #coastguard #navy #airforce #fdny #nypd #rip #waronterror #freedom #freedomisntfree #shanksville #pentagon
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.