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 › Once chronically homeless dog now helps combat veteran cope with PTSD

Once chronically homeless dog now helps combat veteran cope with PTSD

February 21, 2022Dog tales, Mental health

Once chronically homeless dog now helps combat veteran cope with PTSD

Maxie was a chronically homeless dog who spent nearly two years in a Virginia animal shelter. Her life changed when a Marine Corps veteran struggling with the weight of three combat deployments adopted her as his battle buddy.

Invisible wounds of war

The events of September 11th inspired Zhen to enlist in the Marines. In January 2002 he entered bootcamp and would soon be off to war.

“[I] deployed three times,” he says. “First to the Horn of Africa in 2004, next to Fallujah, Iraq in 2006, and finally to Afghanistan in 2018.”

In Afghanistan Zhen served as the senior enlisted advisor at the United States embassy in Kabul.

No doubt that the battle-tested veteran had many memories over the course of his long military career. But what he remembers most were the more than 250 combat patrols in Fallujah, Iraq. Each placed Zhen and his fellow service members in mortal danger. Every patrol was fraught with uncertainty about whether they would return alive.

Soon Zhen will retire from the Marine Corps with more than 20 years of courageous service to our nation. However, while the combat veteran has left the war zone behind, a battle still rages in his mind.

Zhen is one of an estimated 20 percent of Marines deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan who cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

These invisible wounds of war may not be apparent to others from the outside, but for each afflicted veteran the internal struggle is very real.

“…my PTSD was out of control”

Zhen’s fellow veterans saw the heavy burdens he was bearing. They suggested that he consider adopting a four-legged battle buddy.

It is well established that companion pets help veterans improve both their mental and physical well-being.

“After a difficult year in 2020 my PTSD was out of control,” Zhen shares, “and many comrades recommended a pet to help calm me down and keep my mind occupied.”

Perhaps it was fate that Zhen applied to our companion pet adoption program on September 11, 2021. He was approved two days later and began his search online at Fredericksburg SPCA.

Since 2018 the shelter offers veterans in our program 20 percent off adoption fees when they adopt program-eligible dogs and cats. One of their hardest to place pets was about to find her hero.

Forget me not

Fate once again was at play when Zhen was drawn to the online profile of a chronically homeless dog named Maxie.

The nearly six year-old mixed-breed pup had been in the shelter’s care since February 2020 and was featured in our Forget Me Not campaign for dogs and cats who struggle to find homes.

Photo: Fredericksburg SPCA

From the outside it was hard to find anything amiss with Maxie. She is a stunning brindle beauty with white markings on her neck and chest. Maxie is said to love watermelon and Cheetos, and going for long hikes.

However, Maxie had invisible challenges of her own. She is nervous of new people, and because of her discomfort with other animals she needs to be the only pet in the household.

Most would-be adopters shy away from animals who require extra training or care. Not Zhen. The Marine Corps veteran felt a kinship with this chronically homeless dog who had been overlooked by others for nearly two years.

Zhen learned about our program on the Fredericksburg SPCA website and read many of the real-life adoption stories on our blog.

Finally in late October the combat veteran gave Maxie what she needed most: love and freedom. But Zhen would soon discover that he got something that had been missing from his life as well.

Chronically homeless dog gets a home

All rescued animals take time to adjust to their new people and environments.

It can take weeks – even months – for pets to understand that they are safe and secure, and gain confidence in their new lives.

Maxie had so much to learn after being homeless for so long. But she seems to have found her purpose as a healing guardian to Zhen and a gentle canine sibling to his small children.

“Maxie’s been great and slowly settling in. My kids came to visit and she did really well adjusting to having them around,” Zhen says. “Thanks for giving me this great opportunity to find her.”

Healing at both ends of the leash

After a slow start settling into her new home Maxie has found her stride. Zhen credits her with meaningful improvements in his emotional and physical health.

“She’s been doing wonders for my PTSD.”

Maxie is able to sense Zhen’s moods. She knows when to gently nudge him to get moving and when to just stand down.

“Since I have to take her outside I am going out more, and she will literally sit at the door until I take her outside instead of locking myself in,” he says. “She sits right next to me on bad days and will sit in her spot if she knows I just want some quiet time.”

We often say that our work provides healing at both ends of the leash. Zhen benefits from a faithful friend who is highly attuned to his needs. And Maxie is learning that she has a home – and a family – for life.

Every day this dog who had been passed by for so long becomes more confident and joyful.

“We go on our daily walk,” Zhen says, “and she really enjoys running off and then coming back to check on me.”

Zhen’s PTSD was almost unmanageable when his fellow veterans suggested he consider adopting a companion pet. Thankfully, he was open to their counsel and found a once chronically homeless dog who needed him as much as he needed her.

Like any new relationship, Zhen and Maxie are a work in progress. But the transformative power of their adoption has convinced Zhen that other veterans would benefit from a four-legged battle buddy, too.

“Definitely do it,” he says. “Adopt a pet that might have been overlooked. Find a new best friend.”

PreviousNext

8 comments

  1. Sandra and Joseph sobilo says:
    February 27, 2022 at 5:39 pm

    As an animal rescuer, I know how hard it is to rehome a dog or cat that may have a few little personality quirks. Many potential adopters look for a ‘perfect’ pet when none of them are perfect, including we humans.

    A million thank you hugs for your many years of service and a special thank you for adopting Maxie. Hopefully, your story of giving her a chance, will enable other pets who need a bit of patience, to find their forever home.

    1. Zhen says:
      March 4, 2022 at 6:30 am

      Maxie even grew on my mom, afraid of a y creatures with fue or not. Maxie is so loving and protective of my family,I sleep better knowing she’s next to me.

  2. Candis Stern says:
    February 22, 2022 at 4:48 pm

    I loved this story. People and animals — both — just need a chance to heal. Doing it together has helped you both and given Maxie a home that was desperately needed. So glad that you both found your stride and understand one another so well.
    I wish you both continued companionship and a very happy future!

  3. Gary Gonzalez says:
    February 22, 2022 at 12:45 pm

    So happy that you found a loving, caring & attentive companion animal, Zhen! As a fellow veteran who struggles with PTSD, I know Firsthand the power & healing that companion pets provide for us… In my case, it was a feral/outdoor mama cat along with her son & daughter who brought tremendous Love & Healing to my life… They gave me a new sense of Purpose and Reason to live… Just when I had reached all sense of hopelessness & despair, these 3 little kitties (Angels) appeared in my life for me to “save” them; but in all Actuality, they were the ones who SAVED ME!!!! Thank you so much for your Service & Sacrifice to this county, Zhen! Much Love and Many Blessings to You & Maxie : )

    1. Zhen says:
      March 4, 2022 at 6:35 am

      Thank you Gary! Believe it or not Maxie being 5 or 6 times bigger then My brothers cat. Thinks she’s sketchy hahaha the cat will hit her when she’s too close to sniff her. I am 18 years older then my brother, fu ny how I retire and he swcided to join the Marine Corps this same year.

  4. Mary Eaton says:
    February 22, 2022 at 10:52 am

    Hi Zhen,
    Thank you for your years of service. With Maxie by your side and those children you will be raising you have your hands full. Smile.
    Good luck transitioning to this new chapter in your life and knowing that you are appreciated by both two-legged and four!

  5. Virginia Matney says:
    February 22, 2022 at 10:06 am

    Thank you for your many years of service Zhen! And thank you for your patience and perseverance in giving Maxie a well deserved loving home. I am so glad that Maxie helps you with your PTSD and that you are helping Maxie trust and love again.

  6. Mary Armbrust says:
    February 22, 2022 at 9:32 am

    Zhen, thank you so much for protecting us post-911 – such a difficult time for this nation! Thank you for giving Maxie purpose and love – she must’ve been waiting for you, which is why her prior homes were unsucessful. Every blessing to you and your family as you transition to civilian life.

    From a Cold War veteran.

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

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
Freedom ride for Florence!! This 4+ year-old brin Freedom ride for Florence!!

This 4+ year-old brindle beauty was in the shelter since mid-November without any takers, despite her love of people and other dogs. For most of her life she was left outside with little care til her rescue.

But last week her ship came in! Florence (now Maze) set sail with Kalani, who serves in the Navy, and who shares that: 

"She’s living the life and she’s so affectionate! Glad that she’s in my life."

Thanks to our partners @norfolkspca for giving Maze the time she needed to find her humans, and for waiving adoption fees for the veterans we serve. Anchors aweigh, Maze! ⚓

#pitbull #pitbulllove #dontbullymybully #dontbullymybreed #brindle #adoptashelterpet #adoptashelterdog #forgetmenot #navy #navylife #femaleveteran #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed
Domonique has been serving in the Army for 10+ yea Domonique has been serving in the Army for 10+ years and now this seasoned soldier has a new battle buddy in Malenia! The pair is our 150th adoption through our partnership with @pgc_pets4us - woot!!! - and is sponsored through a generous grant from @veteransunitedfoundation.

Let's give this dynamic duo a hearty hurrah!

#armylife #armystrong #armyveteran #armyvet #dogsofinstagram #shelterdogs #adoptashelterpet #adoptashelterdog #adoptdontshop #iadopted
Benjamin is a Marine Corps veteran who spends his 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.

Great match/great story made possible through our partners @obx_spca - click the link in our bio to read all about it!

#houndsofinstagram #hounds #adoptashelterpet #adoptashelterdog #adoptdontshop #rvlife #rvliving #rvlifestyle #usmc #usmcveteran #obx #outerbanks #outerbanksedit
"Ozzy is so amazing and smart. He knows to clean o "Ozzy is so amazing and smart. He knows to clean or dry himself coming in from outside. He never begs for food. I never saw a puppy so polite and friendly and so in tune with us and when outside the house...

...I will never forget what you have brought to this home and our hearts." ~ Michael, Air Force veteran, during his 6-month adoption check up.

Thanks to @annearundelcountyacc for helping us make this amazing match!

#usaf #airforceveteran #aimhigher #petsforvets #petsforveterans #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #cutepup #adorabledogsofinstagram #thelookoflove
Celebrating some of our newest cat dads! Adam, Ar Celebrating some of our newest cat dads!

Adam, Army veteran, and Scooter adopted through @jeffcospca 

David, Army veteran, and Pablo (formerly Bashenga) - another purrfect @jeffcospca match

and Michael, Navy veteran, and Lillian adopted through @chesapeakehumane 

Cat-tastic!!

#catdad #catdads #catdaddy #adoptasheltercat #cats_of_instagram #catsofinstagram #catlife #petsforvets #army #navy
"We’re coming up on two weeks, and so far the wo "We’re coming up on two weeks, and so far the worst part is how long he insists on taking to use the bathroom. Lol. He’s sweet, cuddly, barely barks, loves car rides, and never leaves my side. He’s apparently never met a stranger, either, as he is eager to meet everyone...

So, basically, he’s perfect. It hit me last night that it has been less than two weeks, but feels like he’s been with me his entire life. He bonded with my son instantly, which made him happier than he has been for a while. We’re really happy to have him in our lives." ~ Jason, Army veteran, with 5 year-old Nero.

Thank you @fultonanimalservices for this amazing match - one of three Atlanta-area @lifelineanimal shelters that waive adoption fees for veterans we serve...woot!

#dontbullymybreed #dontbullymybully #loveabully #pitbulls #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #militaryfamily #milspouse #armystrong #armyveteran
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.