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 › Dog tales › Navy corpsman learns about love when he rescues his very first dog

Navy corpsman learns about love when he rescues his very first dog

March 22, 2021Dog tales

Navy corpsman learns about love when he rescues his very first dog

Gani wanted his very first dog for what feels like a very long time. The dog he saved would require him to bring all of his caretaking instincts to bear.

“…undeniably rewarding”

Gani serves in the Navy Reserves after having been active duty for six years. During that time the hospital corpsman had the opportunity to be stationed overseas, where he enjoyed some of the most enduring memories of his service.

“I’ve served overseas at US Naval Hospital Okinawa for my first two years after training and finished my contract here in sunny San Diego,” he says. “When I was in Okinawa I worked in the labor and delivery ward and assisted in deliveries, and eventually filled a supervisory role on the floor.”

Once in San Diego Gani was attached to a harbor and port security expeditionary command. His responsibilities involved assisting with personnel medical readiness.

But it was Gani’s service in Okinawa that had the greatest impact upon the young corpsman. It was literally life changing to help deliver babies into the world.

“Being a part of the transformative and intimate moment in a family’s life was undeniably rewarding,” he shares.

Currently the Naval Reservist attends college full time. He is studying to be a chemist and works as a medical assistant on a per diem basis.

Until recently, Gani lived by himself in San Diego. Then his very first dog came into his life.

“I felt that I needed a pet”

By all accounts Gani’s days are busy and fulfilling. Still, something was missing.

Navy corpsman learns about love when he rescues his very first dog

The Navy corpsman had long noticed how companion pets enhance our lives. The duty and the joy of caring for another living being was undeniable.

Gani witnessed this firsthand when he served in the labor and delivery ward while stationed overseas. Just like babies, companion pets are totally dependent upon their caregivers.

The young Navy veteran was ready for the responsibility of his very first dog.

“I’ve wanted to have a dog for a few years now and promised myself that I’d adopt as soon as I am able to,” he explains. “I felt that I needed a pet because I saw how fulfilling a person’s life became when taking care of a pet. Of course dogs are the best since they bond uniquely with us humans.”

While cats form strong ties with their people as well, their more independent nature can be mistaken for aloofness.

Pets for veterans

Gani found Pets for Patriots through an internet search, like many applicants to our program. There he learned how we serve veterans from WWII to active duty, from all armed forces, and at any career stage.

“I’m thankful that I came across such an organization,”he says. “After reading about what you guys do it was pretty easy to decide to apply.”

One of the reasons our nationally operating program is successful is because military veterans are naturally suited to pet adoption. Many feel duty bound to help those in need, and are accustomed to the structure and discipline required to care for a companion pet.

Our approach was a good fit for Gani. Not only was the Navy veteran ready for his very first dog, but he felt our program balanced the needs of both person and pet.

“I would hands down recommend Pets for Patriots,” he says. “This program makes the adoption process in favor of the veteran, which is amazing. It’s perfect for someone who wants to take care of an animal who may not have a home to go to, and I feel that most veterans are ready for what it may take!”

The corpsman and his very first dog

In July 2020 Gani was approved into our program. However, it would be another five months before he met his match.

Marty was a six year-old Basset Hound and Labrador mix in the care of our partners San Diego Humane Society. Since 2014 the shelter has waived adoption fees for veterans in our program who rescue eligible dogs and cats.

The organization’s adoption campuses in San Diego, Escondido, and Oceanside all participate in our free shelter partner program.

Adult pets, even seniors, are often a good choice for new pet guardians. Most will have already learned basic manners, are typically housebroken, and are familiar with having lived in a home.

Adopters are often surprised at the vigor of more mature pets. Marty has proven to have quite a lot of spunk for a stocky, mature pup.

“I really enjoy playing half fetch and chasing him around the yard,” Gani says. “Marty really enjoys running and feels that every walk will be a run. This is funny because he’s such a short dog I didn’t expect him to have the energy. He’s also an older dog, a whole 6 years old!”

The long and winding road

Every adoption has its challenges. Fortunately Gani has proven to be up to the task of helping his very first dog reach his potential. Together they are working on the pup’s anxiety around other people.

“Having Marty in my life is a growing and new thing for me. I’ve never had a dog growing up and didn’t really know what it takes to have a dog,” he shares. “It has been an emotional roller coaster because Marty is reactive, and at first I didn’t understand what was going on with him. Now that I’ve learned to train the big boy I feel better equipped in helping him and want to make his life easier for him.”

Reactivity – to people or other animals – is often a sign of a dog who has not been well socialized.

Positive-reinforcement training can help dogs and their guardians learn how to de-escalate situations that cause reactivity. In time, reactive dogs can be taught proper and safe ways to meet and respond to others.

Early on, Gani made a commitment to help Marty combat his anxieties.

“Marty and I, I feel, have been getting to know each other pretty well and I’m growing fond of him as days go by. He is a bit fearful of people and we’ve been working that one out,” Gani says.

“I’m grateful to have him and call him a friend, I know on this journey there’ll be a lot I learn along the way.”

Grateful

Contrary to the saying, older dogs can learn new tricks. For Marty, that means understanding that the world is not such a scary place. Fortunately he has a guardian who is willing to take the time to help him overcome his fears.

For Gani, his first ever dog continues to be a truly rewarding experience. The corpsman’s nurturing nature is just what Marty needs to thrive.

“I love him to death now and didn’t know I’d have such an attachment to a dog,” he confides. “Some days are frustrating, but it’s a learning opportunity for me to gain insight about what’s going on with him and it’s been great. He’s gotten a lot better and I’m really grateful to have him!”

PreviousNext

5 comments

  1. Alyson A. says:
    April 13, 2021 at 12:33 pm

    Thank you for your service – Marty is so blessed to be your forever friend!

  2. Mary Eaton says:
    March 30, 2021 at 12:38 pm

    Hi Gani,
    Sometimes one realizes what they have been missing out on with not having a pet, which can come in all shapes and sizes! Smile. Thank you for your service and taking in a good boy like Marty! More adventures are on the horizon.

  3. Gary Gonzalez says:
    March 23, 2021 at 11:43 pm

    What a great partnership/relationship you two have formed… This is just wonderful: human helping animal, animal being there for human : ) All the best to you, Gani and to your new best buddy & companion for life, Marty!!!

  4. John Rizzo says:
    March 23, 2021 at 6:17 pm

    A wonderful blessed story. I can relate to rescuing a dog from a shelter. Most of them take as good a care as they can but they don’t spend the night with them it’s a job. So the dog has to stay in a kennel for a significant amount of time even during day time I also can relate to a veteran and the lonely time. My wife and both my boys Buddy and Boomer ( dogs) also passed away with heart issues. Thanks for Pets for Patriots and Newport Animal Control Shelter God directed me to Rosco. I’m to this day about 2 years later I’ve become a dog dad and he’s my son!! I know this is a bit long but it’s how this story effected me. I can tell also by the photo’s this was a match made in heaven.

  5. Carolyn J Miller says:
    March 23, 2021 at 12:36 pm

    You and Marty rock! Thank you for everything you’ve done to make a better world!!

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.