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 › Marine veteran trades a life of danger for adventures with a rescue hound

Marine veteran trades a life of danger for adventures with a rescue hound

May 15, 2023Dog tales

Marine veteran trades a life of danger for adventures with a rescue hound

Benjamin is a Marine Corps veteran who spends his days traveling the country with his wife and rescue hound. It is a far cry from the stealth and danger he faced during his many years of service.

“Swift, silent, and deadly”

Benjamin sums up his military career with all of the intrigue of a good spy novel.

“It is one with adventure and danger,” he says, “along with a mixture of fun and excitement.”

In 1996 Benjamin separated from the Marine Corps after a dozen years in force reconnaissance. He would serve in various roles, each of which was fraught with its own brand of peril.

“During that time I received many titles besides being a U.S. Marine,” he explains. “I am an Army Ranger, Special Forces Green Beret, Army Pathfinder, Navy combat diver and Airborne, among a few other titles.”

Benjamin’s adaptability led him to various assignments in conflict zones across the globe. He served in Central America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Somalia, and the Mexican border with the United States.

Typically, Benjamin and his team were gathering intelligence and conducting clandestine raids behind enemy lines.

“Swift, silent, and deadly was our brand,” he says, “but all things come to an end.”

To share is to heal

Benjamin’s life and those with whom he served relied on secrecy; it was an occupational necessity.

However, upon separating from service Benjamin found that it was detrimental to his mental health to hold his feelings inside. This is but one of many common struggles veterans face when they transition from military to civilian life.

Benjamin confides that he had trouble opening up about his military service.

“In my line of work there has been so many traumatic, humorous, dramatic, and horrific experiences. It’s what you do with those experiences and memories that make you what you are in the future,” he shares. “Many choose to not talk, not share, and be silent. I was one of those after my time in the service was up. It wasn’t until the past six to eight years that I began sharing and talking.”

With time comes wisdom, and with wisdom the realization that sharing promotes healing.

The Marine Corps veteran dispels a common misperception among the public that veterans should never discuss what they endured in service.

“Many people think that a true veteran doesn’t talk about his [or] her experiences,” he says. “I say they have watched too many movies. I feel every veteran wants to share and now, later in life, I strongly believe it is healthier.”

Still, Benjamin believes that timing and context are important to help veterans open up, even if they are sharing something humorous.

Neither seen nor heard

Many years later Benjamin recalls one of the most harrowing experiences of his military career when a life or death situation momentarily caught his team by surprise.

“I remember vividly the first time my team and I came under fire,” he shares. “Reality set it in. The ‘oh, crap’ factor set in hard. I had a team of six, and several team members froze. Years of training for this moment raced through my head and what seemed like minutes were only seconds in real time.”

As team leader Benjamin knew that his life and the lives of his men depended upon him. In that moment, getting everyone out alive was all that mattered. So he ordered his team to return fire, which allowed them to extract themselves safely.

Benjamin reflects on the errors that almost cost his team their lives.

“We were recon Marines – we are never seen and never heard – but we were in a situation that we were seen,” he admits. “We screwed up, but had to get back on track to complete the mission. The experience is one that most will never know unless you are in the military and in a combat situation.”

Some years later, after separating from the military and serving in law enforcement, Benjamin drew from his experiences to recruit an informant. While attached to his state’s gang task force he interviewed a gang member who doubted that Benjamin could relate to his world.

“I laughed slightly and said, ‘Son, let me tell you a story,'” he recalls. “This experience came to mind and [I] shared with him what combat is like. This broke the ice and he ended up being my first gang Informant with the Mexican Mafia, ‘La Eme.'”

The right fit

Moving from military to civilian life is difficult for many veterans. This is especially true for individuals who served in wars or other conflict zones.

These challenges can impact nearly every aspect of a veteran’s life, including employment, housing, and relationships. Many grapple with a range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“Civilian life is a change and sometimes a challenge to men in my line of work,” Benjamin explains. “Finding the right fit, the right place – or places – and the right partner is usually an ongoing challenge.”

In time a rescue hound would meet that mark, finding his rightful place with Benjamin and his wife.

For the love of dogs

While Benjamin separated from the Marines after 12 years of service he was not done serving his country. He went into the Department of Homeland Security and ultimately retired for good after a combined 22 years of federal service.

Life is now decidedly less stressful.

“I am married to my wife, Chastity, for nearly 21 years now and we love dogs and animals in general. Dogs fill in the voids in life, keeping relationships strong and good when emotions are out of sync.”

For the past five years the couple have been traveling the country as full-time RVers. Those adventures now include a rescue hound who was in an eastern North Carolina shelter looking for a home.

“Samuel Leroy chose me”

It was late May 2022 when Benjamin visited Outer Banks SPCA. The shelter offers veterans we serve half-off dog adoption fees and 25 percent off cat adoptions.

“Actually my wife saw the advertisement on the SPCA website. She did the research and we signed up,” Benjamin recalls. “It was a great resource and everything was simple and easy. In fact, when we adopted Samuel Leroy they gave him to us for free and thanked me for my service several times.”

Benjamin confides that pet adoption was not on his agenda, despite his love of dogs.

“I was not looking for a pet at the time, my wife was, but I went along anyway,” he says.

“Samuel Leroy chose me – why, I am not sure.”

Samuel Leroy was a then four-and-a-half year-old hound mix waiting for his hero. Little is known about his life before entering Outer Banks SPCA, but that mattered little to Benjamin and his wife.

In late June 2022 the Marine Corps veteran finalized Samuel Leroy’s adoption.

The shelter was so excited to have this first adoption through our partnership that they waived the big dog’s adoption fee altogether.

“I gave them my letter that I received from Pets for Patriots. I was amazed that they concluded the adoption with ‘no fee.’ That was awesome, and I surely did not expect to adopt the dog for free,” Benjamin recalls. “This has been a fantastic opportunity.”

It would not be long til the amiable rescue hound joined his new family on their cross-country adventures.

Life on the road

Sometimes opportunities are placed in our path that we do not fully appreciate in the moment. Benjamin has always believed that the right things happen at the right time; his union with a certain rescue hound is no exception.

“Samuel Leroy has been a good addition to this family and I believe he has found a new life in traveling with us. He has been to 15 states since we picked him up in June of 2022 and he will be in another four states before he reaches a full year with us.”

The big dog does not miss a chance to express gratitude for his newfound life. He has taken a special shine to Benjamin and developed a nightly routine that is more fitting of a lap dog than a 66-pound hound.

“Samuel Leroy is a character, to say the least,” Benjamin says. “Probably the biggest thing, which was not expected, is he climbs on me in the evening, sitting in my recliner and goes to sleep on my chest.”

Love unconditionally

Companion pets are natural boosters of our mental health. They accept and love us unconditionally. And because they live in the present they are a powerful reminder to neither dwell on the past nor fret too much about the future. 

The simple acts of caring for a pet – providing sustenance, exercise, play, and affection – give veterans a renewed sense of purpose in their lives.

“Since Samuel Leroy has come into my life I have been rejuvenated and more active in day-to-day activities,” Benjamin shares. “We go on walks, hikes, and he has me in the water swimming again. He has recharged my motivation to be me again.”

Most animals in shelters have experienced some type of hardship, such as neglect, abandonment, or outright abuse. Benjamin believes they all have stories to tell, much like the veterans who adopt them.

And despite whatever hardships these animals have endured they still have an amazing capacity to love.

“I love dogs dearly – they do not judge you like humans. Life has many turns, many emotional challenges, and tough decisions. Believe it or not, your pet, if the right one, is non-judgmental and loves you unconditionally,” Benjamin shares.

“As I get older and life starts changing I reflect more, as we all do I’m sure. Memories resurface that have long been gone.”

Companion pet do not require us to change, but by their mere presence they inspire positive transformation.

Samuel Leroy is a rescue hound who is already proving that simply being there for Benjamin is sometimes all that is required.

“Having a pet is a good distraction, but not all memories are bad, don’t get me wrong. A pet keeps you smiling and content, energized and active,” he says. “Adopting seemed the right path, for a dog’s life is meant for more besides being locked in a cage.”

PreviousNext

5 comments

  1. Mary Eaton says:
    June 2, 2023 at 10:44 am

    I have to smile for it was Chastity who was in search of finding a pet to adopt and add to your traveling adventures and you who wound up bonding with Samuel Leroy from the get-go it would appear. A match meant to be! He
    looks to be a good cuddle buddy but will keep you on your toes with activities.
    I too thank you for your many years of service. Enjoy sight-seeing and be safe in your travels.

    Reply
  2. Kim Tlapa says:
    May 24, 2023 at 8:08 am

    BJ thank you for your service. I know more about you than I ever knew. Samuel Leroy and you and Chastity are welcome here anytime. Love all 3 of you.

    Reply
  3. Alyson A. says:
    May 21, 2023 at 9:21 pm

    Thank you for your service. Wow – what an incredible career! Samuel Leroy is a wonderful addition to your family. Enjoy your adventures together!

    Reply
  4. Diane C Chalberg says:
    May 16, 2023 at 1:10 pm

    Thank you for adopting Samuel Leroy (love his name!) and thank you for your service and your wife’s support. Enjoy RVing! You ALL deserve the good life!

    Reply
  5. Dorothy Greynolds says:
    May 16, 2023 at 9:49 am

    Thank you for your service. Wishing you, Chastity and Samuel Leroy a wonderful life together.

    Reply

New Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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

Tomoka, Umami, Sky and Star, Kielbasa, Reese's Pie Tomoka, Umami, Sky and Star, Kielbasa, Reese's Pieces, Arthur, Pierogi, Corn, Juju, Tallahassee - just some of the amazing dogs and cats in our Forget Me Not campaign waiting for their heroes.

All have been in their respective shelters for longer than they deserve, overlooked by would-be adopters.

FMN pets are available to ANY qualified adopter - not just Pets for Patriots veterans - so please share their need far and wide. Because a shelter is not a home, and the longer these precious creatures spend in shelters reduces their chances of adoption even further.

Let's show these wonderful animals that their lives matter!

Click the link in our bio to meet all of our FMNs waiting for their heroes.

#forgetmenot #forgetmenots #adoptashelterdog #adoptasheltercat #adoptashelterpet #adoptdontshop #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dogsofinstagram #cats #cutedogs #cutecats
Elizabeth is a Navy veteran and widow who needed r Elizabeth is a Navy veteran and widow who needed relief from depression. It would be a rescue dog in need of healing, as well, who came to her aid.

Click the link in our bio to read their tale and how this Navy corpsman and sweet Pittie are healing each other!

#pitbull #pitbulllove #pibble #pibblelove #dontbullymybully #dontbullymybreed #loverescuedme #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #depressionhelp #depressionawareness #navyveteran #navycorpsman #femaleveteran #youarenotalone
Pupdate from Pinini!! Almost 2 years ago this now Pupdate from Pinini!!

Almost 2 years ago this now 5 year-old precious pibble hit the adoption jackpot. James was honorably separated from the Army and in need of a 4-legged battle buddy.

Mission accomplished! Thanks to the Fulton County campus of @lifelineanimal Pinini's adoption fee was waived - leaving more coin for James to spoil his BFF. This dynamic duo are now livin' large in the great state of Texas.

Are you a current or former member of the U.S. military interested in adopting your own pet pal? Click the link in our bio to learn more and apply!

#dontbullymybreed #dontbullymybully #pibble #pibblesofinstagram #pitbulls #pitbullsofinstagram #pitbulllove #blackdogsofinstagram #blackdogsrule #adoptdontshop #armyveteran #armystrong #bffgoals #battlebuddies #atlantapets
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
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.