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 › Dog left to die in drain pipe adopted by Navy veteran who knows pain of abandonment

Dog left to die in drain pipe adopted by Navy veteran who knows pain of abandonment

March 10, 2015Dog tales

Dog left to die in drain pipe adopted by Navy veteran who knows pain of abandonment

Willow was a terrified terrier dog left to die. She was found living in a drain pipe with her three puppies, one of whom froze to death. She was ultimately rescued and adopted by a Navy veteran who still grapples with the pain of his own abandonment many decades ago.

Feeling their pain

James is enjoying a well-deserved retirement in the North Carolina mountains after more than 30 years of service in the Navy and a long career in civilian law enforcement. The Vietnam veteran holds an Extra Class License for ham radio and runs his own radio network named “The County Cousins.”

James’ real passion, however, is saving abandoned animals – or “critters” as he likes to call them.

“It seems to be quite common to toss out unwanted animals in the Smoky Mountains,” James says.  

As it happens, James knows what it is like to feel unwanted.

“I joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 because I had no family,” he shares. “The Navy became my family.”

For James, it is empathy that motivates him to save the lives of animals discarded by others. Animals who are homeless through no fault of their own.

A hard life at home, a new life at sea

James did not have an easy life.

As a young man he first left home at age 16 because his parents could no longer support him. His father had heart failure and his mother was seriously ill.

The teen quickly realized that life on the streets was rough and joined the National Guard, but left after six months when he realized he would not be able to get an education with them. 

Dog left to die in drain pipe adopted by Navy veteran who knows pain of abandonment

James returned home and did odd jobs for another several months, however none were enough to support him. He enlisted in the Navy, through which he earned his high school degree. In his later years he earned a college degree in criminal justice, paving the way for a post-military career in law enforcement.

During his 30-year Navy career – which included 24 years active duty and the remainder in the Reserves – James traveled the world. He served on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, both at home and abroad. He was stationed on destroyers, tenders, at sea and on shore, where he was in charge of hull repairs on ships.  

The Navy veteran later repaired submarines, leading to one of the more memorable experiences of his military career. Serving with Submarine Group 5 on the USS Dixon gave him the opportunity to inspect nuclear powered submarines and submarine tenders.

In fact, James wrote the epilogue to The Tooth and the Tail, an oral history of American Support Troops during the Vietnam War.

Giving hope to the hopeless

James’ feelings of abandonment run deep to this very day, despite the decades that have passed since he left home.

Yet the Navy veteran is finding ways to channel those feelings by giving the most hopeless and helpless animals a loving home.

“To give a critter a chance at life,” he says, “for I know what it feels [like] to be abandoned and be hungry. That is why I joined the Navy.”  

These days the Vietnam veteran’s family includes Mara, whom he refers to as his “lady friend,” and her two rescued dogs, Dora and Mollie. When four of James’ own rescued pets died of old age he knew it was time to adopt another dog.

“I needed to fill the void.” 

Dog who was left to die becomes a pup with purpose

James visited a local animal welfare organization, where he learned about their partnership with Pets for Patriots.

Our nonprofit inspires veterans to adopt the most overlooked shelter dogs and cats in exchange for a range of benefits to make pet guardianship more affordable. 

Dog left to die in drain pipe adopted by Navy veteran who knows pain of abandonment

Through the rescue James met Willow, a then two year-old Jack Russell Terrier. She had been badly abused; the dog left to die in a culvert with her puppies.

Although their life circumstances were different, Willow’s story struck a nerve with the Vietnam veteran.

“Willow sort of reminds me of myself when I first retired from the Navy,” James recalls. “Frightened and unsure of myself.”

The Navy veteran was “going to save this animal one way or another,” and he quickly saw that Willow was going to need all of the love and devotion he and Mara could give her.  

James adopted Willow without hesitation, knowing from his own experiences that it would take a long time for the adult dog overcome her sad start in life. 

Of love, toast and sausage

Willow’s homecoming has not been without its challenges.

The little dog’s prior neglect and likely abuse – she is terrified of men and loud noises – was at first “a nightmare” for James. And he wanted nothing more than to shower his newest family member with love. 

Willow refused to eat at first and had to be hand fed. She eventually learned to take walks with the other two dogs in the family and is especially fond of Dora, their big yellow lab.

Dog left to die in drain pipe adopted by Navy veteran who knows pain of abandonment

“Her favorite places are sitting on the couch with us watching TV and snuggling in bed with us at night,” says James. Her newest love is riding in the front seat of his Mustang.

To this day the little dog still trembles, which James suspects may be some residual nerve damage as a result of whatever was done to her. But adopting the dog left to die has enriched the Navy veteran’s life, even as he gives Willow the life she deserves and was once denied.

“She has given me a purpose,” he says.

They say time – and love – heal all wounds. And love will never be in short supply again for Willow.

“She’s definitely loved in this house,” says James. “Seeing her gradually come out of her shell is very rewarding. You can’t help but fall in love with her.” 

Even Mara’s two dogs, both previous victims of abuse as well, have taken to Willow to varying degrees. Dora is her “best friend” and Molly “tolerates her,” but James observes that “in the end they are one happy group.”

Willow has come a long way from the day she was found left to die, nearly freezing to death in a North Carolina drain pipe. 

“We have a morning ritual at breakfast,” James says, “everyone has toast and sausage.”

James found a way to turn his hard luck years into a productive and noble life. He served his country and saves the lives of unwanted critters in his community. 

“It gives me a good feeling to know I’ve done something good,” he says, “[that I] have saved an animal.”

PreviousNext

4 comments

  1. steve rosenblatt says:
    March 16, 2015 at 4:54 pm

    Selfless love so inspiring

  2. Clare Richardson says:
    March 11, 2015 at 10:15 pm

    Thank You SSSOOOOO much for sharing this story. I was crying thru the start and smiling in the end. I too am a vet and have adopted my own bundle of furry love, Gracie, the Diva Kitty, who is a very cute and cuddly calico that meets me at the door at the end of the day. (yes she does meet me at the door). And Vet to Vet, thank you for your heart, courage, and compassion.

    Clare

  3. Viveca from Adopt-Foster-Volunteer.com says:
    March 11, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    Tears in my eyes. I love the stories you share (and help create). They help me keep going and I always share them with my foster friends to lift their spirits too!

    Hugs to you for all you do. Viveca

  4. Penny Scioneaux says:
    March 11, 2015 at 6:50 am

    AWESOME!!! I’m in love!! They deserve each other!!!!GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!!!

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

Who's going to win this epic battle? Vote!! Who's going to win this epic battle? Vote!!
**Application window for Hairy's adoption closes t **Application window for Hairy's adoption closes today May 31!!**

This amazing Dog In Residence at @bobbyhotel is ready to check out of the hotel forever and into a loving home with a veteran living within 40-driving miles of our partners @NashvilleHumane! 

Click the link in our bio to apply. Hurry; Hairy's waiting!

Gratitude to @todayinnashville for sharing Hairy's need. 🥰

#adoptdontshop #nashville #nashvilletn #teamrwb #petsforvets #dogtraining #traineddog #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #nashvillehumaneassociation #petsforpatriots #bobbyhotel
Thank you for your service, Keisha, and for being Thank you for your service, Keisha, and for being a hero to a pet in need!

Keisha serves in the Army National Guard and just added two year-old Toby to her pack. Thanks to our partners @bmorehumane Toby's adoption fee was waived, and this big pup's 'welcome home' gift card and year of post-adoption follow up are generously sponsored by a grant we received from @veteransunitedfoundation ...woot!!

#army #armystrong #armynationalguard #nationalguard #femaleveteran #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #hounds #houndsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #petsforvets #baltimore
On Memorial Day we reflect upon the men and women On Memorial Day we reflect upon the men and women who died while serving in the United States armed forces - and give gratitude and comfort to our Gold Star families whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

The holiday is not about the sales, the barbecues, the day off from work. But that our lives as we know them were made possible in large part by brave souls who died in service, please pause from whatever you are doing today to remember that freedom is not free - and while all veterans give some, some have given all.

#memorialday #memorialday2023 #honorthefallen #honorvets #freedom #freedomisntfree #freedomisnotfree #army #navy #marines #airforce #coastguard #goldstarfamilies #ultimatesacrifice #somegaveall
**THIS** is what rescued looks like/sounds like: **THIS** is what rescued looks like/sounds like:

"She has been such a joy to me. She loves me and I love her. Thank you assisting me with giving her a forever home." ~ Lisa, Army veteran, on her one-year adoption anniversary to Nala.

The now 8 year-old cat was in the care of our partners @phillypaws which waives adoption fees for veterans in our program. Please consider older pets when you adopt; they have so much joy to give!

#adoptaseniorcat #adoptaseniorpet #cats_of_instagram #catsofinstagram #catsofig #rescuecatsofinstagram #rescuecat #armyveteran #femaleveteran #armystrong #philadelphia
Pets for Patriots alums Chadwick (black dog) and 1 Pets for Patriots alums Chadwick (black dog) and 12 year-old Bowser (brown dog) on a little @petsmart shopping spree!

Bowser was adopted in 2012 and is now battling terminal cancer. His mom and dad tell us that his diagnosis doesn't stop Bowser from enjoying life to the fullest, whether that's shopping with brother Chadwick, visiting the beach, or ending the day with a nice puppacino!

#caninecancer #adoptdontshop #seniorpets #seniorpetsofig #seniordogsofinstagram #twoisbetterthanone #shoppingspree #sandiego #dogsonthebeach
Zinger's ship just came in when Sonia, active duty Zinger's ship just came in when Sonia, active duty Navy, saw this precious 2 year-old pupper and said, "Let's sail away."

Another great adoption through our partners @chesapeakehumane - and made possible thanks to a generous grant from our friends at @veteransunitedfoundation ...anchors aweigh! ⚓

#cutedogsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterpet #adoptashelterdog #navyveteran #femaleveteran #navy #navylife #chesapeakeva #muttsrule #muttsofinstagram
There's just something about Hairy! For the past y There's just something about Hairy!
For the past year this handsome hound has been the resident dog ambassador at @bobbyhotel where he's been a guest favorite, greeting all visitors (2- and 4-legged alike). 

Now it's Hairy's time to check out of the hotel and into the home of a U.S. veteran living within a 40-mile driving distance to our partners @nashvillehumane.

Application deadline is Monday, May 31 - Memorial Day! 🇺🇸

What you should know about Hairy:
❤ Loves frolicking in the yard and working on his frisbee-catching skills
❤ Adores car rides - a great travel buddy!
❤ Visits to the beach? Yes, please!
❤ Expert snuggler, couch curler-upper
❤ Active household that loves adventure - a must!
❤ Good with both dogs and cats...furreal!

Veterans living within 40 driving miles of our partners Nashville Humane Association must apply both to the shelter and Pets for Patriots by Monday, May 31. Hurry for Hairy!

Apply to NHA: https://nashvillehumane.org/news/nha-pets/hairy/

Apply to PFP: https://pfp.care/adopt

Stay tuned in the coming weeks to meet Hairy's new humans! P.S. Click the link in our bio to learn more about this exciting 'Hotel to Home' partnership!
It’s Monday. Berry says please come back Tuesday It’s Monday. Berry says please come back Tuesday. ❤️ #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #olddogsrule #olddogsofinstagram #seniorpets #adoptaseniordog #adoptaseniorcat #americanbully #muttsrule #pibble #pibblesofinstagram #dontbullymybully
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.