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 › Cat tales › Marine Corps veteran wounded by IED blast finds kinship with feisty feline

Marine Corps veteran wounded by IED blast finds kinship with feisty feline

October 4, 2021Cat tales, Mental health

Marine Corps veteran wounded by IED blast finds kinship with feisty feline

Brandon enjoyed a quiet upbringing. Years later an IED blast would upend his world, one that he would come to share with a rambunctious cat he met at an animal shelter.

From Oregon to oorah

By all accounts Brandon had a storybook youth. After being adopted as an infant he was raised in a small Oregon town where he became involved in sports and made many wonderful friends.

“I grew up in a very respectful household,” he recalls. “I had that going for me.”

But as Brandon neared high school graduation it was time to leave the nest. He enlisted in the Marines along with his best friend Josh, and the pair even went through boot camp together in San Diego.

“That was the farthest from home I had ever been,” he shares.

The Corps seemed like the perfect place for the young teen, who describes himself as “bull headed” and someone who likes to push boundaries. Brandon was a bit homesick, nonetheless.

“Being away from family was the hardest part of it,” he confides.

However, it was important to Brandon and Josh to strike out on their own, make their own marks on the world.

“We wanted to venture out and do our own thing.”

Brandon’s journey had just begun.

Learning by doing

After boot camp Brandon attended communications school to train as a field radio operator.

Professionals in this specialty are highly versatile. They may be assigned to various units, including artillery, tanks, and engineering. They are expected to fight alongside their fellow Marines if they are assigned to combat units.

After completing ‘comm school’ Brandon was assigned to the 2nd Marines light armored reconnaissance battalion, stationed out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. And in short order he was deployed to Iraq.

Brandon was just 18 years old.

“I went over there with what I had just learned in school,” he says.  “I was super scared. I didn’t expect to be deployed as soon as we were.” 

The young war veteran returned to Camp Lejeune after 10 grueling months in Iraq. But in time he would be called to war once more.

IED blast changes everything

Brandon grew up quickly during that first overseas assignment.

“The first deployment was obviously life changing. Being in a different country and seeing what people are going through.”

When Brandon got called up once again he felt more prepared. He had matured not only as a Marine, but as a man. However just a few months into his deployment to Iraq, Brandon was seriously wounded by an improvised explosive device, or IED.

“I was a radio operator for a logistics convoy and we got hit with an IED,” Brandon explains. “I was a machine gunner at the time and ended up being diagnosed with TBI and PTSD.” 

The Veterans Administration estimates that 22 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have traumatic brain injury, or TBI, while up to 20 percent experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, in any given year.

“…no longer deployable”

Brandon was pulled off detail as a radio operator and spent the remainder of his deployment on base. A few months later his unit returned to the states where they were subject to post-deployment evaluations.

“I had to go through some treatment for being involved in a road bomb IED,” he said.

It was during this time that the military tested and diagnosed Brandon with TBI and PTSD resulting from the IED attack.

“They determined I was no longer deployable,” he says.

Last call

Although Brandon was out of the war, he was not out of the fight. He was assigned to a non-deployable unit with the 2nd Marine division. He served as a radio operator while the process of being medically retired from the Marines was underway.

“We prepped deployable units with working radios and supplies that they needed to deploy,” he explains.

While there, Brandon underwent hazmat training to learn how to handle, neutralize, and destroy hazardous materials. He was the hazmat company’s non-commissioned officer, or NCO, for about a year. It was an assignment that the young Marine enjoyed.

At the end of May 2009 Brandon was medically retired from the Marine Corps. He lingered in North Carolina to enjoy one last summer by the beach before moving to Washington state.

The IED blast may have ended Brandon’s career as a Marine prematurely, but it did not dim his plans for the future. He used his GI Bill benefits to earn an associates degree in criminal justice, after which he spent about six years working in the wine industry.

However in 2017 Brandon decided to put his degree to better use. He is currently working as a corrections officer at a state penitentiary and studying to complete his bachelors degree in criminal justice.

Show me a sign

In 2018 Brandon was thinking about adopting a companion pet, a battle buddy. Initially he wanted a dog, but was concerned that his work schedule would leave him little time for a pup.

“With cats being more independent as they are, I decided to go there,” he shares. “It has been one of the better decisions I’ve made in my life.” 

Brandon visited nearby Blue Mountain Humane Society in Walla Walla. Since 2015 the shelter has adopted dozens of pets through our partnership, and offers veterans in our program half-off adoption fees.

The young Marine initially wanted a kitten, but in most cases they are not eligible for the benefits of our program. The staff told him about our mission to place those pets who are most overlooked by adopters.

Brandon would return to the shelter over the coming weeks. In July he met Toby, a then two year-old cat with stunning ebony fur. Toby curled up in Brandon’s lap at their first meet and greet; it was a sign. 

“That’s how I knew when he was the one,” Brandon shares. “He’s super laid back, super chill.” 

When Brandon finalized the adoption he learned that a Good Samaritan paid the adoption fee and covered Toby’s vaccinations. Yet another sign that he and Toby were meant to be. 

Cattitude

Brandon continues to cope with the invisible wounds of the IED blast he survived in Iraq. But the young veteran knows a few things about perseverance and was ready to help his new bestie adapt to their new life together.

And challenges – there have been a few.

For starters, Brandon had to acclimate Toby to being an indoors-only cat – mostly for his own safety from coyotes and other outdoor dangers. Then there is Toby’s need to shred things in the house when Brandon is not at home.

“When I leave for work every night I have to close his door to his bedroom,” Brandon explains. “That way he is not roaming around destroying stuff.”

But it is the little cat’s big personality that makes him a wonderful, if not occasionally problematic, battle buddy.

“He’s like a teenage kid that says ‘you can’t tell me what to do,’” Brandon says, adding that Toby likes to eat plants as well.

Toby is now a full-fledged adult cat with a playful and rebellious spirit. He is a vocal chirper and a big personality. Brandon likens him to an “opinionated teenager,” but loves that his adopted cat has so much attitude.  

Two souls saved

It is true that Brandon’s initial instinct was to adopt a dog. But the Iraq war veteran realized that a cat could equally satisfy his need for an enduring friend.

“It doesn’t matter how long I’m gone, he’s super happy to see me.”

Toby’s unconditional and relentless joy buoys Brandon’s spirits when he needs it most. The Marine Corps veteran commutes two hours round trip each day for work. His job requires tremendous fortitude. And he still copes with the aftermaths of the IED blast in Iraq.

“I have my good nights, I have my bad nights.”

The retired Marine encourages other veterans to consider adopting a companion pet, noting that their affection for their guardians never wavers. And while Toby is not the pet he originally thought to adopt, the feisty black cat is this veteran’s perfect match.

“He is my uncertified service friend, he turns every bad night of work into an amazing day,” Brandon shares. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity, it’s been a blessing.”

PreviousNext

4 comments

  1. Kathy says:
    November 12, 2021 at 9:51 am

    We adopted a black cat because they are often over looked. Our baby boy is super affectionate! Would pick one again in a heartbeat. Black cats rule!

    Former Navy/Marine family who finds cats have been good life partners with their independence.

    Thank you for. Your service and sacrifice. Prayers for ongoing healing.

  2. Gary Gonzalez says:
    October 26, 2021 at 10:42 am

    So happy for Brandon & Toby… Seems like they are both what each other needed… Many blessings and fun-filled years together…

  3. Alyson A. says:
    October 11, 2021 at 1:23 pm

    Thank you for your service. I’m so glad that Toby found someone who is patient and kind, like you. He definitely chose you when he curled up on your lap the day you met!

  4. Molly Moriarty says:
    October 6, 2021 at 7:43 am

    Cats rule for sure 🙂 as our Moonlight (who my son calls Putin because he thinks he’s a Russian blue and a Russian spy LOL ). Pets for Patriots united us here in Virginia. Love this organization and love our “Russian Spy”. He is my furry alarm clock with wet nose kisses and whisker tickles at 0430… sharp!!

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

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
Cornelia was born and raised in France and her hus Cornelia was born and raised in France and her husband Ed in Belgium. Yet both served their adopted nation - Ed in the Navy and Cornelia in the Army. The pair met in New Jersey and married on Veterans Day more than 20 years ago.

These days the couple lives in an assisted living facility and, sadly, Ed's health is such that he's not always able to interact with Cornelia. She grew lonely and wanted nothing more than a little dog to love.

After months of searching, mission accomplished! Thanks to our partners @ywacpets for going the extra mile to help Cornelia find the perfect match:

"She's exactly what I needed and wanted.  She's 9 pounds of love.  She kisses me on the mouth and then turns on her back placing her neck over my mouth so I can kiss her and tell her I love her.  She sleeps with me and is being spoiled rotten by all the employees at the facility, directors on down." ~ Cornelia, US Army veteran ❤️

#armystrong #femaleveteran #adoptashelterpet #loverescuedme #petsforpatriots
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.