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 › PTSD veteran and dog with separation anxiety heal together

PTSD veteran and dog with separation anxiety heal together

November 25, 2014Dog tales, Mental health

George Bobby and Patricia

Coping with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) since the Vietnam War and more recently with the death of a beloved pet, an Army veteran finds mutual healing with a shelter dog beset by separation anxiety.

Army strong for nearly 20 years

George decided to enlist in the Army when the draft started for the Vietnam War. He was a combat engineer and demolition expert and, after serving three years in Germany, decided to reenlist. Shortly thereafter he began studying computers and completed four tours of duty in Korea as a computer operator.

Sadly, George was no stranger to the horrors of war. While in Korea and during Operation Paul Bunyan, George witnessed the death of his captain when their crew came under a brutal attack. George

During his fourth tour of duty George was notified that they had too many computer operators, forcing the veteran to rethink his military career path. This unexpected twist led George to become a gunner on a Huey, a type of military helicopter. It was during this time that George received a distress call from a group of Marines who had fallen victim to friendly fire. Immediately, George and his crew went to help in any way they could. He describes the experience as being very traumatizing for him and all those involved, an experience that still haunts him today.

After 13 years of active duty in the Army, George joined the National Guard as crew chief on a Black Hawk helicopter. His unit was involved in black ops, or specialized groups that carry out secret missions during military operations. During his time working these covert operations, George was called to aid in operations during 9/11, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, which included deployments to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Despite losing many of his fellow soldiers during his thirteen years active duty in the Army and his six years in the National Guard, George insists that he would not change anything about his experience in the military.

“How do you reply to someone who says ‘thank you for your service?’” he asks, and answers: “’You’re welcome’ doesn’t sound appropriate. Say, ‘My pleasure.’”

Life after wartime

Toward the end of his enlistment with the National Guard and upon his return home, George recognized the need to share his life with someone. Through online dating sites he found one particular profile which caught his eye. Despite lacking a photograph, Patricia’s post intrigued the combat Army veteran: she wanted someone to teach her how to play golf.

George and Patricia exchanged a few emails before deciding to meet in person. Their first meeting took place at a park in Lansing, Michigan; the pair hit it off immediately. George admits that Patricia told him they would marry, but only after he found a job. He did, and in 2003 the couple wed.

A void that only a dog could fill

A few years ago, George and Patricia lost their beloved dog Coco, leaving them both feeling empty and with a gaping void in their lives. This emptiness seemed to hit George harder since he had been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to his military experiences. The Army veteran lives with the constant strain of anxiety, a common symptom of PTSD. George has endured years of PTSD-induced nightmares, even though his military career ended long ago.

“I have a hard time falling asleep in the dark,” George says. “Your subconscious would say you can’t go to sleep. You have to be alert, on guard duty.”

George got a lighted alarm clock to help him recognize that he is at home when he is trying to sleep at night, an effort meant to calm his mind and reduce anxiety. George Bobby and Patricia

In addition to coping with PTSD, George was diagnosed with hypertension and instructed to lose weight by increasing his exercise level. Patricia needed a morale boost as well; as an amputee she often cannot go out due to complications with her prosthetics.

The couple’s health issues made them realize that something was lacking in their otherwise happy lives. A dog, to be exact.

Benefits of senior citizenry

George and Patricia started a search for the right dog to suit their needs, but were not having much luck; many shelters would not adopt to them because of their limitations. While running a table at an event for a non-profit veteran organization, George heard about Pets for Patriots, and learned how the nationally operating charity helps veterans and active duty service members adopt homeless dogs and cats most in need of adoption.

On June 6, 2014, only a short time after initially inquiring about the companion pet adoption program, George received an email from the Humane Society of the Huron Valley, which included a picture of a Bichon Frisee named Bobby.

George showed the picture to his wife Patricia, to which she quickly responded, “We have to go get him.”

The Humane Society of the Huron Valley is a Pets for Patriots adoption and veterinary partner, offering veterans through this partnership a 50% adoption fee discount and ongoing 10% discount at its full-service veterinary clinic. But since Bobby was a then ten year-old dog, and George and his wife are seniors, the adoption was free through the shelter’s Senior-to-Senior Adoptions program.

It was love at first sight when the couple met Bobby at the shelter, and since his adoption Bobby has adapted almost seamlessly to his new life. When it was time to leave the shelter the little dog jumped into the backseat of their car as though it was where he was meant to be all along. Once they got home, the pair introduced him to the entire neighborhood and Bobby quickly became a celebrity to the local children, who are always looking for an opportunity to play with him. Being a good sport, Bobby obliges.

Of love and healing

Since bringing Bobby home, George and Patricia have noticed that the senior dog suffers from separation anxiety, getting noticeably anxious and upset when George leaves the house. Veteran and pet have forged such a tight bond that Bobby cannot stand to be away from George.

Understanding what it is like to live with anxiety, George is working to find a solution that does not involve medication – a reluctance that stems from his own dislike of having to take medicine daily. If anyone understands Bobby’s anxiety, it’s George.

Despite his separation anxiety, Bobby has had a profound and positive effect on his Army dad. Now that he’s getting more exercise, George has lost 30 pounds and lowered his blood pressure. Equally important, his PTSD-induced nightmares are almost completely gone – a very positive development that he credits to his new canine companion.

“[I’m] young at heart, like Bobby,” he says with a smile in his voice.

The Army veteran is embracing his new life with vigor, competing in marathons, acting as an unofficial ambassador for a favorite veterans’ organization, teaching the neighborhood children about astronomy and participating in Civil War re-enactments. Through it all, he is lifting the spirits of other veterans, and spending more and better quality time with his wife and family.

Companion pet adoption helped release George from the bonds of his PTSD by replacing it with a healthier one. The focus and dedication needed to help Bobby through his own anxieties has helped the Army veteran cope with his own.

Asked whether other veterans should consider companion pet adoption, George is firm.

“Definitely go ahead and do it. It’s really helpful to anybody. It helps with your blood pressure and your mood. It helps you to get out and exercise,” he says, but above all, “A pet has eternal love for you as long as you love him and take care of him.”

Learn more about our work creating life-saving bonds between veterans and companion pets.

PreviousNext

2 comments

  1. Alice says:
    December 6, 2014 at 10:24 am

    Really amazing story! Yeah, I agree, having pets around seems to be very comforting. Really nice article!

    Thank you

  2. orthopedic specialist says:
    December 3, 2014 at 6:25 am

    Very inspiring story. Having pets around can really influence the well-being of your health, social structure and family life. Whether you own a pet for therapeutic reason or simply because you don’t know how to talk to other people, the perks of owning pets are abundant.

    orthopedic specialist

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

Clark retired from the Marines after more than 20 Clark retired from the Marines after more than 20 years of service to our nation. And in 2012 he was one of our early adopters - literally and figuratively - when he rescued then 2 year-old Ellie.

Ellie is now 13 and the pint-sized pup is still living large with Clark and his family, who recently gave us this heartfelt shoutout:

"Wanted to thank you for the many years of support your team has provided! It has helped out immensely over the years! Thank you all for what you have done and for what you continue to do."

Sounds like a mission accomplished to us!

Thanks to our partners @ranchocoastal - one of our earliest shelter partners - for this enduring match, and for continuing to waive adoption fees for veterans in our program.

#gotchadayanniversary #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #militaryfamily #usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #usmarines #usmarinecorps #petsforvets
Ahoy, mate! Noah retired from the Navy and just th Ahoy, mate! Noah retired from the Navy and just threw a lifeline to Kali, a stunning Cane Corso mix. This big, beautiful girl was in the care of our partners @norfolkanimals which gives veterans we serve 50% off adoption fees.

Click to the next photo to see their freedom ride pic!

#canecorsoofinstagram #canecorso #bigdogs #bigdogsofinstagram #bigdogstrong #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterpet #adoptashelterdog #weratedogs #navyveteran #navy #usn #usnavy #norfolkva
CJ is a disabled Marine veteran who finds joy in t CJ is a disabled Marine veteran who finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, including the addition of an older cat who joined her after the loss of a beloved pet.

Click the link in our bio to read their tale!

Thanks @sdhumanesociety for helping us make this purr-fect story possible and for waiving adoption fees for veterans in our program. ❤️

#sdhumanesociety #femaleveteran #usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #cats_of_instagram #cutecat #cutecats #cutecatsofinstagram #nalacat #adoptasheltercat #adoptaseniorpet #oldcatsofinstagram #oldcats #twoisbetterthanone
You know it's love when your new Marine Corps dad You know it's love when your new Marine Corps dad gives up his armchair for you. ❤️

Congratulations to nearly 9 year-old Holly Belle who's already made herself at home. She met Chuck through our partners @fredspca - which waives adoption fees for veterans we serve...oorah!

#olddogsrule #seniordogsofinstagram #adoptaseniordog #adoptaseniorpet #olddogsofinstagram #cutedogs #weratedogs #usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #iserved #iadopted #petsforvets
Wishing all of our Jewish friends around the world Wishing all of our Jewish friends around the world a sweet New Year, especially the men and women of the U.S. military who serve in all corners of the world in defense of our freedoms, including the freedom to practice (or not) the faith of our choosing.

L'shana tovah!

#lshanatova #lshanahtovah #roshhashana #roshhashanah #happynewyear #jewishnewyear #freedom #freedomofreligion #sweetnewyear
Meet two of our recent cat-tastic heroes: * Tim i Meet two of our recent cat-tastic heroes:

* Tim is active duty Army and just became cat dad to Iceburg - one cool cat (sorry, we couldn't resist)! Thanks to @jeffcospca for this purr-fect match and for giving veterans we serve $100 adoption fees.

* Andre is an Army National Guardsman with a heart for older pets. He met 11 year-old Camo (great name!) through our partners @nfsaws in Connecticut, which offers our veterans 50% off adoption fees.

#cats_of_instagram #adoptasheltercat #adoptashelterpet #adoptdontshop #nalacat #whitecat #calicocat #seniorpetsofig #adoptaseniorcat #armylife #army #army #armynationalguard #petsforvets #realmenlovecats
It's adoptapalooza "J" edition! * Jonasia is an A It's adoptapalooza "J" edition!

* Jonasia is an Army veteran who visited our partners @bmorehumane and added 3 year-old Josey to her family. This gorgeous hound and her adorable human sister are both so pretty in pink...twinning!

* James is an Iraq war veteran who needed the comfort of a 4-legged battle buddy. Three year-old Nami fit the bill after being in the care of our partners @lollypopfarm!

* Jacob is active duty Army and met Charlemagne at @jeffcospca where this stunning Shepherd-Retriever mix just fetched a new home!

Thanks to all of our shelter partners mentioned in this post - and across the country - who help us place animals in need with our nation's heroes.

#adoptdontshop #armyveteran #army #armystrong #houndsofinstagram #muttsrule #petsforvets #femaleveteran #iraqwar #militaryfamily #militaryfamilies #battlebuddies
Jeff has always believed in doing the right thing Jeff has always believed in doing the right thing as his guiding philosophy. Eventually that attitude led the Marine Corps veteran to save a shelter dog who would forever change his perspective on adoption.

Click the link in our bio to read this truly inspirational tale!

#usmcveteran #usmc #marinecorps #usmarines #marinecorpsveteran #iraqwar #combatveteran #militaryfamily #cutedogsofinstagram #weratedogs #adoptdontshop #petsforvets #muttsrule
22 years after the 9/11 terror attacks we continue 22 years after the 9/11 terror attacks we continue to honor the lives of thousands of souls lost that day and in the years that followed, including two as yet unnamed victims identified within the last few days.

May they all rest in heavenly repose with the knowledge that we will never waiver, we will always stand on the side of freedom, and we will never, ever forget.

#september11 #neverforget #neverforgotten #nineeleven #911 #worldtradecenter #marines #army #coastguard #navy #airforce #fdny #nypd #rip #waronterror #freedom #freedomisntfree #shanksville #pentagon
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.