A rescue dog named Zero is a hero to one energetic military family, and makes their house a home in ways they could not have imagined.

The deafening silence

Charlie is a proud Air Force veteran and a devoted mother of three. She lives in Florida with her children—and with Zero, a big, one-year-old dog who has changed her family’s life in the best ways possible.

But prior to Zero’s adoption Charlie was struggling with a creeping anxiety. She decided to take charge of her mental health before it affected her most important job: mother to three young children.

“I felt alone,” Charlie says.

“My children are in school during the day and the house was quiet. I would become very anxious so I thought a dog would help break up the silence.”

That quiet did last long once Zero came into her household.

Got your six

Charlie found Zero in October 2024 through Seminole County Animal Services. Shelter staff told the Air Force veteran about our companion pet adoption program for military veterans.

Earlier that year the organization joined our free shelter partner program, and offers our veterans a reduced adoption fee of just five dollars.

Together with benefits we offer, Seminole County Animal Services helps make pet adoption an affordable reality for veterans and military families—like Charlie’s.

At the time, the big, happy-go-lucky terrier mix was named Yosemite. But the kids decided that his new name would be Zero.

Charlie was surprised at the ease of adopting a family pet through Pets for Patriots. She appreciates our post-adoption follow up and personal check-ins throughout the year. And she marvels how we make pet adoption as straightforward and stressless as possible.

“It was so easy,” she says.

“I was able to find my new best friend while assured I have a support team to help us transition together. I would highly recommend the program!”

Smiling

Zero made himself right at home from the start. He is always up for being part of the family’s adventuresome lifestyle.

But the big dog seems to understand that perhaps his most important role is to be a comforting presence for Charlie.

“Zero goes everywhere I go,” she says.

“He enjoys watching TV with me and listening to me read. He motivates me to get out of bed and helps put smiles on my kids’ faces as well.”

Charlie, who joined the Air Force in 2016 to build a better life for her children, knows how much a support system matters.

“While I was enlisted, I found out my middle child had autism and I didn’t know what to do,” she shares. “I was thankful I had a support system in my squadron. They helped me through transitioning into a better parent and person.”

Making a military family whole

Today, Charlie gives back to others. When she is not taking Zero on hikes around the nearby lakes she volunteers at children’s hospitals dressed in cosplay. It is her way of sharing some of the joy that Zero brings into her military family with kids who are in need of cheer.

“Zero is adorably goofy!” she exclaims.

“He always seems to be smiling like he couldn’t be happier to call our house home.”

And that smile means everything.

On Veterans Day, Charlie and her children took part in a football tournament—and Zero was right there with them. He was their four-legged cheerleader, coach, and best friend all in one adorable package.

“He did amazing. He really helps keep us settled. We are so lucky to have him!”

Whether he’s playing tag with the kids, snuggling on the couch, or heading to his next grooming visit, Zero is more than just a pet. He is a friend, a comfort, and a bright light for a veteran and her family.

“I haven’t lived many places I would be willing to call home,” Charlie says, “but Zero has completed our family in ways I couldn’t imagine.”