A jellybean is a delightful treat beloved by children and adults alike. And so it is with one military family whose rescue dog is a bundle of four-legged sweetness and joy.
Enter the Darkside
Life stays busy for Charles and his family. There is rarely a dull moment between raising three boys, building a farm in East Texas, and finding time for family adventures.
“We are a busy family of five—three boys and my wife and I,” the Marine Corps veteran says. “I love cars, and we enjoy going to car shows and different family-related events.”
This full and active life is a long way from the battlefields of Iraq where Charles was deployed during the earliest days of the war. He enlisted to challenge himself, and to use his GI Bill benefits to build a better future for his family.
“I joined the military because I had something to prove to myself and my peers,” he shares, “along with free college.” 
As a member of the elite 3rd Battalion 4th Marines infantry division, nicknamed Darkside, Charles took part in some of the earliest and most historic events of the Iraq war.
During his tour of duty Charles served as an 0341 81mm mortarman, known for making it ‘rain pain’ on the enemy with heavy gunfire.
“We were involved in the main invasion into Iraq, and the battalion was known for pulling down the Saddam statue with 1st [Marine Division] tanks in 2003,” he shares.
But it is another memory that stands out in Charles’ mind as even more meaningful.
“Seeing both the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers in Iraq,” he recalls. “Growing up these were both biblical in my perspective, and seeing them both added that we were in the birthplace of civilization.”
Life is like a box of jellybeans
Today Charles is many years, miles, and memories away from the stresses of war. Now in Texas, the combat Marine focuses on family, community, and the farm he and his wife are building together.
But as the couple’s three boys grew Charles realized their household could use a new four-legged family member. The family’s resident older dog simply could not keep up with the endless energy of three active children.
“With three young boys our elder dog couldn’t tire them out anymore,” Charles explains. “They end up wearing him out.” 
The Iraq war veteran explored Pets for Patriots after learning about our program from a friend. The experience led him to DFW Humane Society, where the family eventually met a rescue dog who would quickly become the heart of their home.
Since 2023 the shelter offers our members fee waived adoptions when they rescue program-eligible pets.
Run for the money
In August 2025 a young dog named Jellybean Junior entered DFW Humane Society from another shelter.
Transporting pets between animal welfare organizations is a common tactic to give animals struggling to find homes new opportunities to be seen.
The following month Charles was approved into our program and met Jellybean Junior. He opted for an extended foster period to make sure that the dog was a good fit for his boys and resident senior dog.
By November the decision was made: Jellybean Junior was home, and Charles converted his foster contract into an adoption.
While young, the spirited dog was more than 40 pounds at the time of adoption, meeting one of our pet adoption criteria.
Many would-be adopters shy away from larger dogs over concerns about food and medical costs, energy level, or landlord restrictions that favor smaller animals.
Luckily for Jellybean Junior, Charles has none of those concerns. And while he could have adopted a dog without Pets for Patriots, he is glad that he used our program to add to his family.
“The support throughout the process made it an easy choice and the size requirements aligned with our interests,” he says.
“I recommend you all the time to anyone I hear asking about a pet. The program was very smooth and stress free.”
For his part, Jellybean Junior is giving the Marine veteran’s boys “a run for their money.” He is proving to be just what the family needed to boost their already active household—and give their senior dog a well deserved respite and canine companion.
“…a breath of fresh air”
Jelly Bean Jr. arrived ready to embrace his new role as chief playmate, enthusiastic greeter, and all-around source of laughter. For a family constantly on the move, he fit right in.
“My boys now have a partner that can keep up with their energy level. I get daily greetings from the wiggliest goofball we have ever adopted. Jellybean Junior has been a breath of fresh air for our house,” Charles shares. 
“He isn’t too much of a cuddler, but he has his moments where all he wants is butt scratches. He has gotten us all out of the house more and doing longer walks and playing again.”
There are many qualities to love about Jellybean. But for Charles, one daily habit steals his heart.
“His morning greetings are amazing,” he says.
“He waits for me to call him in, and whines and groans while greeting us for the start of the day.”
Charles’ story highlights the power of pet adoption.
A rescue dog finds a loving home. Three boys gain a tireless playmate. A busy family discovers even more reasons to spend time together outdoors. And an older resident dog gains a steady companion.
Jellybean Junior may not know anything about military service or the journey that brought Charles from Iraq to rural Texas, but he understands exactly how to give new life to an already lively home.
Charles, God bless you for your service(Navy vet here). I hope that you and your kids have many years of laughter and happiness with Jellybean. Gotta love the name!