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
    • 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 › Dying veteran seeks home for beloved dog

Dying veteran seeks home for beloved dog

June 11, 2011Dog tales, Hope for a home

It’s with a heavy heart that I write this post.

An elderly veteran in hospice care near San Diego, California wants to ensure his beloved dog Gizmo has a new home. The gentleman has about a month to live and make arrangements for Gizmo, his only remaining family.

I was contacted by the veteran’s hospice social worker to help find that special individual or family who will honor this hero’s wishes and give Gizmo a wonderful life. Gizmo is a seven year-old male Shih Tzu with an incredibly sweet and gentle temperament. While he now lives harmoniously with a cat, it’s unknown if he likes all cats. He’s not fond of large dogs and has no known history with children.

For these reasons, Gizmo will probably do best as an only pet in a family with no small children, or possibly as a second pet in a small-dog family. He’s neutered, healthy and up-to-date on his vaccinations.

The veteran and Gizmo will remain together until this hero’s passing, but the gentleman would like to meet potential adopters during his remaining time. All viable, potential adopters should contact Beth Zimmerman immediately: info at petsforpatriots dot org.

P.S. Pictures as soon as we get them…

UPDATE JUNE 13:

We’ve requested pictures and more information about Gizmo, as well as the veteran – including his name and address for people who’d like to send their good wishes. Believe me folks, we’re doing everything we can to get as much information as possible as quickly as we can, so that this hero can have peace of mind that his beloved Gizmo is going to a good family. In the meantime, we’re speaking with potential adopters and sharing information with the veteran’s hospice care team… stay tuned!

UPDATE JUNE 14:

The veteran’s hospice care team will ask for permission to have cards and letters sent to him. If we get the green light, prepare for a major “We love you” card writing campaign! In the meantime, here are a couple of pictures of little Gizmo!

UPDATE JUNE 21:

The situation is even more urgent now that a potential adopter turns out not to be a match for Gizmo. For complete details, including new contact information for potential adopters and a more detailed profile of Gizmo, please see our post on Military.com… and share this story until Gizmo finds a home!

 

Gizmo

Gizmo lounging in style…

 

Gizmo protecting

Gizmo protecting his fuzzy toy bone

PreviousNext

11 comments

  1. Karen Rea DICKERSON says:
    April 9, 2018 at 4:45 pm

    My husband and I both came from military families. We also had parents that had animals when they died, they were very worried about them although both my brother and I and my brothers and sisters-in-law were the same. My dad took in a dog from a man in the Air Force who had cancer. The dog was a nightmare. Bit everyone. I asked Dad why he still had him. He said the guy he got him from wasn’t dead yet. And he promised. Well,Teac turned out to be great. He was the dog my dad died owning. He was always asking about his welfare when he was in the hospital. I know the anguish he must be going through. If no other home can be found I would be happy to adopt him. I do however live in Washington State.

  2. Pingback: A veteran, a dog and one amazing tale — Pets For Patriots Blog
  3. Kevin Ferris says:
    June 15, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    We lost our 16 year old about a year ago. I was very open to get a new kid when the universe opened the necessary doors to become a part of our family. Eddie the 16 yr old was an abused Jack Russell terrier, homeless dog and had adjustment problems when he chose to made our place his home. He needed gentle consistent reinforcement and a lot of love to take the street out of him but in 3 years he was well adjusted. If Gizmo is looking for a calm relaxing two adult home with no challenges for his retirement then our home is a good place for him to check out! Gizmo must understand that he is not the pack leader in this pack but he can challenge my partner anytime he chooses! LOL

  4. Beth Zimmerman says:
    June 14, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    Anyone interested in adopting Gizmo, please contact Pets for Patriots at info at petsforpatriots dot org … thank you!

  5. Elizabeth McCaffrey says:
    June 14, 2011 at 6:24 pm

    Whoever gets the pup, Blessings to you.

  6. Angelsmom10 says:
    June 14, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    My post disappeared.. I will take Gizmo and give him a very loving home… Can someone contact me what I have to do to get him?

  7. Angelsmom10 says:
    June 14, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    If he has not been taken, I will take him…

  8. Lioness5719 says:
    June 13, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    I will take him right now…..sight unseen. This man deserves peace before he dies and I would hope that someone would do the same for me. I am in Missouri, but arrangements can be made to get him here. I have experience with Shih Tzus and a great veterinarian for whatever the little one may need.

  9. Beth Zimmerman says:
    June 13, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    This is a very fluid situation and we’re doing everything we can to get more information, including pictures. We will absolutely update as soon as we get more… promise!!

  10. Jechris525 says:
    June 13, 2011 at 10:01 am

    Has Gizmo found a forever home yet? Are any pictures available?

  11. Morgan Jethro says:
    June 13, 2011 at 8:34 am

    This story broke my heart! Can we have an update on the situation??

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

Have you met these handsome fellas? Nathaniel has Have you met these handsome fellas? Nathaniel has served in the Army National Guard for more than 20 years. Recently he visited our partners Huntington Cabell Wayne Animal Shelter in Huntington, West Virginia, which gives veterans in our program a reduced adoption fee of $50.

It was at the shelter that Nathaniel met Gunner, a stunning, adult shepherd mix, and gave this last chance pup a second chance at life...woot!

#armystrong #armynationalguard #gsdsofinstagram #adoptashelterpet #petsforpatriots
Friday funny: sign we saw on a recent walk with ou Friday funny: sign we saw on a recent walk with our pup...
Can we please take a moment to behold Smokey's spe Can we please take a moment to behold Smokey's spectacular ears? 

Okay...moment over! 🤣 This hunky hound just hit the adoption jackpot when Annette and her husband - both Air Force veterans - added this 3+ year-old fella to their family. We thank these high-flying patriots for their service and for opening their hearts and home to this magnificent beast!

#staffysaturday #dontbullymybreed #loveabull #airforceveteran #militaryfamily #petsforpatriots
When you've got a great name like Jean-Paul, you j When you've got a great name like Jean-Paul, you just have to adopt a dog with a double name, too...like Russia Roo!

This sweet shepherd mix and her Army veteran dad became the 148th match through our partners @pgc_pets4us - which waives adoption fees for veterans in our program...woot!

#armystrong #armyveteran #shepherdsofinstagram #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #petsforpatriots
Henley was in a Virginia animal shelter until one Henley was in a Virginia animal shelter until one day when the coy cat chose a dual Navy couple as his own. In time he would prove his mettle as a “little therapy cat.”

Click the link in our bio to read this purr-fect adoption tale, and thanks to our partners @chesapeakehumane for helping us make it all happen!

#adoptasheltercat #navycouple #iserved #therapycat #petsforpatriots
Mila is mesmerizing!! This stunning 3 year-old mi Mila is mesmerizing!!

This stunning 3 year-old mix just set sail with Jared, who for more than 10 years and counting serves in the Navy. The pair were matched through our partners @kitsaphumanesociety which offers veterans in our program 50% off adoption fees. Anchors aweigh!

#navy #adoptashelterdog #kitsaphumanesociety #petsforpatriots #muttsrule
Megan serves in the Navy and just threw a lifeline Megan serves in the Navy and just threw a lifeline (and a cone!) to Little Man, a stunning adult cat she met through our partners @vbspca. Megan received a 25% adoption fee discount and has access to their low-cost veterinary clinic without proof of income - just a couple of the benefits of adopting through our partnership.

All we know is that this is one very lucky black cat! Smooth sailing, Megan and Little Man!

#blackcat #adoptasheltercat #femaleveteran #navyveteran #petsforpatriots
Last week we shared that Joan, Army veteran, bid h Last week we shared that Joan, Army veteran, bid her senior Pittie rescue and @petsforpatriots alum Jerry a peaceful trip over the Rainbow Bridge. 🌈

Joan knew she needed to dust herself off and save another 4-legged soul, so earlier this week she rescued 5 year-old Smokey, a stunning Cane Corso she met through our partners Baltimore County Animal Services, which gives veterans we serve 50% off adoption fees.

We're so honored that many veterans, like Joan, are repeat adopters through our program - embracing our mission to save the most vulnerable shelter animals while benefiting from their loyalty and love. ❤️

#rainbowbridge🌈 #adoptashelterdog #armystrong #petsforpatriots
Pet adoption was not in Linda’s plans until one Pet adoption was not in Linda’s plans until one day when the lonely Marine met a shelter cat who turned her life around.

“I never knew one could love an animal so deeply. She brings so much happiness to my life."

Click the link in our bio to read this sweet tale, and thanks to @vbspca for another purr-fect match together!

#adoptasheltercat #loneliness #femaleveteran #marinecorps #beapetshero #petsforpatriots #youarenotalone
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.