One lucky black cat is proving to be an answer to prayer for a Vietnam veteran grieving the loss of a beloved pet.
A life of service
Nancy served in the Marines during the Vietnam War, repairing ground radios. She was stationed in Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and separated honorably at the end of her tour of duty.
Boot camp’s gas chamber training remains one of Nancy’s most unforgettable experiences. These exercises prepare recruits to feel confident in their protective gear should they face a chemical, biological, or other similar attack.
After leaving the Marines, Nancy built a career teaching college. Now in retirement, she likes to garden, read, and take walks in her Tennessee neighborhood.
But that is not all.
Nancy is a woman of considerable talent—and energy. She volunteers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, serves in a local honor guard, and helps at a thrift store that supports animals.
Fire and loss
In 2022 tragedy struck when a fire destroyed Nancy’s home and claimed the life of her beloved cat, River. For more than a year, the Vietnam veteran grieved her loss. In time loneliness set in and she felt ready to open her heart again to another companion.
Nancy had once directed a local animal control unit and knew about Pets for Patriots when her local shelter promoted their partnership with us.
“I thought it was a great way for all to win,” she explains. “The adopted pet, the shelter, and the veteran.”
That shelter is Blount County Animal Center. The organization waives adoption fees for our beneficiaries and, as of this writing, has 139 adoptions through our work together.
Black cat luck
In January 2025 Nancy visited the shelter to start her search for a new cat companion. That search ended almost as quickly as it began.
At Blount County Animal Shelter the Vietnam veteran met a then six year-old black cat named Sammy. About a month prior to Nancy’s visit the green-eyed girl had been adopted and subsequently returned. 
But the cat’s affectionate nature convinced Nancy to bring her home. Like many adopters, she gave her new companion a new name—first Missy, then Alice—and began a fresh chapter in their lives together.
At first Alice was shy, but soon adjusted. She found a cozy spot under Nancy’s bed and ventures out to explore her surroundings with trademark feline curiosity.
However, it is Alice’s loving nature that endears Nancy to her most.
“She is quite an affectionate cat,” Nancy shares during one of many post-adoption follow ups.
“In fact, she’s curled up beside me now. So, thank you again. I really appreciate all your efforts for the veterans and the shelter pets.”
No one knows the life Alice had prior to entering the shelter, nor why she was adopted and surrendered. However, the little black cat has a big heart; she seeks affection at every turn.
“All she wants is to be with people in hopes of more loving,” Nancy shares. “Great cat.”
“…an answer to prayer”
As time passed, Alice wove herself into Nancy’s routine. Her presence brought structure and joy—and plenty of laughter with her feline antics.
“I now get up at 6:05 every day,” Nancy shares. “I now vacuum up cat hair and buy lots of tunafish on sale. She’s a great hunter of moles, too—brings me one every now and then.”
Alice’s affectionate personality and playful energy quickly became the highlight of Nancy’s days.
From her perch on the screened porch, Alice watches squirrels and birds with keen focus. At night, she curls up beside Nancy, purring long and loud.
“Alice is the coolest cat around. She is definitely an answer to prayer. I asked G-d for an affectionate cat,” the Vietnam veteran confides, “and this little black cat exceeds all my prayer requests.”
Like many companion pets, Alice soon claimed a few favorite spots as her own.
The stunning black cat is fond of the big screened-in porch where she can stalk birds and squirrels in safety. When she is done watching the local wildlife she reminds Nancy when it is time for dinner, and knows where to retire at night.
For Nancy, Alice represents healing after the tragic loss of her beloved cat, River.
The Marine Corps recommends other veterans struggling with isolation or loneliness to consider adopting through our program, which is now open to Gold Star spouses as well.
“Go for it!” she exclaims.
“Pets for Patriots is a winner for all involved. The support available throughout the adoption process is remarkable, as is the follow up after the adoption. These folks really care.”
Did you enjoy this story? Learn how you can make a difference.
Nancy, I’m so glad that you didn’t allow the stigma of adopting black animals stop you from adopting Alice. I adopted a black cat myself years ago. Alice seems so sweet, and I hope you two have many happy years together.