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 › Hero fund helps Air Force veteran grounded by temporary hardship

Hero fund helps Air Force veteran grounded by temporary hardship

February 11, 2019Dog tales

Hero fund helps Air Force veteran grounded by temporary hardship

It was no surprise that after the passing of a beloved dog Melody gave hope and a home to another in need. What the Air Force veteran did not expect, however, was to need our hero fund for veterinary care when life took an unexpected turn.

“…a matter of life or death”

Enlisting in the Air Force held a lot of promise for Melody. She hoped to serve in one capacity, but got assigned and trained in an altogether different field.

“I entered the service intending to be an interpreter at an embassy, but instead because of test scores was trained to be a medical service specialist,” she explains. “This meant working as what is in civilian life is a nurse.”

The young medical specialist was stationed at a clinic in New Hampshire before being transferred to a California military hospital. After her tour of duty Melody separated from the Air Force in California and re-entered the civilian world.

Melody was just a teen when she enlisted. Serving in a healthcare capacity she witnessed the highs and lows of the human condition, and everything in between. These experiences would inform her worldview for the rest of her days.

“My most memorable experiences in the service was as a very young person of 19 experiencing both death, and having the privilege of watching the miracle of birth,” she says. “It makes you realize that all the troubles in this life are minor unless it is a matter of life or death.”

Long since separated from service, Melody credits her military duty with giving her perspective in life – and grit.

“I have kept that knowledge close to my heart ever since and it has served to keep me very resilient in life.”

All aboard the Love Train

Melody’s family was heartbroken when their dog Zoe died of kidney failure, despite the veteran’s best efforts to sustain her life.

“My wonderful brother, a Marine, sent me a birthday present of money. It just sat,” she says. “Before losing Zoe, we had been looking for a dog to be company for her. Nothing happened and I knew later that it was better because I had to focus all my attention on trying to help Zoe, which involved much care [and] which ultimately bought her only one more month.”

Eventually Melody summoned her trademark grit and started to search for a new pet. She learned about Pets for Patriots and our companion pet adoption program for military veterans. Her local shelter, Humane Society of Huron Valley, was one of our partners.

Hero fund helps Air Force veteran grounded by temporary hardship

Since 2011 the shelter has offered half-priced adoptions to veterans through our partnership and a ten percent discount at their full-service veterinary clinic.

“…I wanted to adopt through this program because it gave me the opportunity to get a wonderful pet at a reduced fee, and give another chance to a pet who might otherwise be passed over as not the cute little puppy stage.”

Melody and her family visited the shelter after the arrival of the Love Train. This lifesaving program transports pets from struggling shelters and brings them to the Humane Society of Huron Valley for adoption.

“We looked at all the dogs available and were about to leave when our daughter Leigha said, ‘Let’s go look at the puppies from Love Train.'”

The Air Force veteran had other ideas.

“Well, we were not looking for a puppy,” she says.

Melody soon discovered that the Love Train had adult animals, too, and others who would be eligible for the benefits of our program. Mopsie was one such dog.

Next stop: home

Perhaps it was fate that caused Melody and her family to stop by the kennel of a terrified, brindle-coated Boston Terrier. Dogs and cats who are trembling in their kennels tend not to attract the most enthusiastic passersby.

Yet the little dog caught Melody’s eye. The frightened pup spoke to the Air Force veteran’s caring and compassionate nature.

“She was quiet and scared from all the noise, and the new place after a long trip in a van,” Melody recalls. “We took her outside and she was still quiet and shy, but she walked on lead with my husband Tony quite well.”

Hero fund helps Air Force veteran grounded by temporary hardship

No one knows exactly where Mopsie was transported from or what her life was like before she arrived at this particular shelter. But it did not matter to the Melody or the rest of her family.

“We fell in love,” she says. “We took her home. Much to our surprise she bloomed into a total character.”

Mopsie was swiftly renamed Brindie. Once again, Melody’s family included a dog and the cycle of life continued.

The best laid plans

While Melody’s days working outside the home are over she is still a woman with a long to-do list. She is raising 10 year-old Leigha, and putting Leigha’s older sister through college.

Despite the profound rewards of parenthood the Air Force veteran looks forward to a time when life is a bit less unsettled.

“In summer of last year we moved from Michigan to South Carolina for what we hoped was our last move,” she says. “Right after me and the girls relocated though, my husband lost his contract job here.”

Moving once again so soon after this major relocation is not an option for the family. For the time being they are staying put.

“Right now, we don’t know where we will end up,” Melody says, “but we do not want to leave South Carolina where the beaches and area around [are] truly beautiful and the people are as warm as the weather.”

For the love of Brindie

Now five years old, Brindie continues to bring unbridled joy to her family. She bears no resemblance to the dog Melody discovered cowering in a shelter kennel.

“Brindie always makes us happy. She loves her squeak toys and walks around with them squeaking like she is talking with the squeaks!” Melody shares. “She is a total goofy girl and so loving. Her favorite person is my husband and I wish it was me.”

Still, the Air Force veteran loves her adopted dog’s quirky personality and zest for life. She does admit that it is much like having a small child around the house. Fortunately, she finds that aspect of Brindie’s personality endearing.

“What we love most about Brindie is how she is a funny little character who drops her squeak toys everywhere she goes like a toddler!” she exclaims. “Could not ask for more.”

Hero fund for veterinary care to the rescue

Family is everything to Melody, two- and four-legged. So the Air Force veteran was comforted to join our pack when she applied to our program and adopted Brindie.

“Mostly it is just a great way to adopt if you are a veteran because you get to feel like part of the Pets for Patriots ‘family’ as they check back with you at milestones,” she says. “Never have I adopted before from such a caring organization.”

Hero fund helps Air Force veteran grounded by temporary hardship

Our follow up starts before an actual adoption occurs and runs for at least a year after welcoming a pet home. Many veterans stay in touch with us for years.

“They will be there for you all along the way from initial adoption to milestones and if you encounter issues, will help you with that too,” she says.

The Air Force veteran recently experienced those other “issues” that make her grateful to be part of our pack. Brindie is benefiting from our hero fund for veterinary care due to the family’s temporary financial hardship.

Our hero fund assists with urgent, life extending, or palliative care that would place an undue financial burden on a veteran. It is available only to those who have adopted through our program.

Requests are evaluated on an individual basis so that we can use our resources to help as many medically needy animals as possible.

“After being involved more with Pets for Patriots we got the chance to see so much of what they do to help, and have the utmost respect for this organization,” she says. “We, too, have had the help offered to us during our financial crisis.”

Will you help pets in need get essential medical care? Click here to direct your donation to our hero fund.

PreviousNext

4 comments

  1. Alyson says:
    April 10, 2019 at 1:15 pm

    Thank you for your service. I love how Brindie has become a beautiful member of your family. Thank you for sharing your story.

  2. Mary Eaton says:
    February 19, 2019 at 6:11 pm

    Thank you for opening your heart in welcoming Brindie to the family as well as your service. Hoping for a good outcome with the transition of your husband needing to find other work and that he might be able to get a job locally so that you won’t have to move again. In the meantime, a day at a time and when you need some comfort maybe Brindie will be just what you need!

  3. Panda J. says:
    February 12, 2019 at 5:00 pm

    Thank you for your service, Melody. I too lost my sweet furbaby to kidney disease, in Oct. 2016. I know how hard that is to go through, and my heart goes out to you. I’m so glad that you and your family found Brindie, and that you were willing to give her a loving home. It’s easy to see in the pictures here that it was a match made in Heaven for everyone involved. God Bless you and your family.

  4. Mary Armbrust says:
    February 12, 2019 at 9:41 am

    Every blessing to this wonderful family who opened their hearts and home to Brindie! Thank you for your service, Melody! I am a “two time chooser” with Pets for Patriots and love to read every vet’s story. I adopted Rocky the Magnificent and when he passed, in his honor, I adopted a special character – a kitty loving pittie from New York City named Pedro the Goofy now named Gumby. This is a great group of veterans and a great community led by a remarkable lady. We are blessed!

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.