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 › Rescue dog grounds Air Force veteran with PTSD and depression

Rescue dog grounds Air Force veteran with PTSD and depression

April 18, 2023Dog tales, Mental health

Rescue dog grounds Air Force veteran with PTSD and depression

Thad is a testament to the extraordinary power of a dog’s love. At one point he was so despondent that he attempted suicide. Thankfully, he survived.

Now the Air Force veteran embraces each moment in life thanks to a rescue dog’s loyalty and irrepressible spirit.

Un-retiring

In 2021 Thad retired from the federal government after long careers in the military and law enforcement. He lives in Kansas with his high school sweetheart and wife of 34 years.

In time Thad would learn why they say that idle hands are the devil’s workshop. He needed to stay busy to help keep his invisible wounds at bay.

“After retirement, I realized sitting alone at home all day was not good for me on multiple levels,” he says, “so I found a part-time job in corporate security near my home. It helps get me out of the house and forces me to interact with others.”

Take a chance on me

Thad’s successes in life bely the many obstacles he faced early on. His hometown offered little in the way of prospects or hope. And because he did not like school he could not rely on an education to be his ticket out of town.

“Growing up in a small, poor, rural southern Missouri town meant that promising careers were in very short supply. I was also a horrible student in high school,” he confides. “I hated every minute of classes. Obviously, at that time, college wasn’t for me.”

However, where one door closes another opens.

What Thad describes as a “chance encounter” with the Air Force jazz band ignited his curiosity about a military career. A visit to a nearby recruiter reinforced his belief that joining the military was critical to his future success.

So in 1984 – when Thad was just 19 years old – he enlisted in the Air Force. After basic training he trained as a medic, where he discovered a compelling need to help others.

“I developed a passion for medicine and for helping people,” he shares. “I was damn good at it. I even got my civilian paramedic license and started working weekends as a paramedic, working to gain experience and sharpen my skills.”

Thad worked in emergency medicine for years, through both his military and civilian careers. Eventually he transitioned to teaching combat medicine to medical professionals. He is rightly proud of the lifesaving knowledge he has passed on to so many others.

“During OIF/OEF several of the units I helped train were deployed,” he says with pride.

Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) are the names given to the Iraq war and the war in Afghanistan, respectively.

Aiming high

Thad excelled far beyond the promise of his humble roots.

The young man who disliked school would excel in medic training, so much so that he would eventually become an instructor himself. Serving in the military supersized his professional and social circles instantly. It eclipsed what he could expect as a boy growing up in a small, rural town.

“I loved my time in the Air Force. I met and served with so many wonderful people.”

Among the most memorable was a technical sergeant who was one of Thad’s instructors during his medic training. Thad recalls how the sergeant used his wicked sense of humor to give wayward trainees an occasional attitude adjustment.

“He was still there when I went back to be an instructor a few years later,” he recalls. “Serving as an instructor alongside him was such a great honor.”

Thad served 11 years active duty and another four in the Reserves before separating from service with an honorable discharge. When he transitioned to the civilian world he continued his lifesaving ways.

Still, Thad could not have predicted that years later he would need a rescue dog’s love to save his own life as well.

Hope from despair

Time marched on and Thad continued to work. Meanwhile, the cumulative burden of his military and civilian careers were exacting a terrific toll on his mental health.

“Maybe because of everything I saw and did as a medic, paramedic, and during my time in law enforcement, I have been diagnosed with C-PTSD and depression,” he shares.

Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or C-PTSD, is the result of ongoing exposure to trauma rather than from singular traumatic events. Individuals diagnosed with C-PTSD may experience similar impacts to those with PTSD, but typically do so over a much longer period of time.

Thad’s mental health continued to deteriorate to the point where he tried to end his life.

“I survived a suicide attempt in 2016,” he shares. “I’ve been through all the medications, therapies, and treatments, most of which were not helpful in the least.”

After that, Thad realized that something had to change. Above all he is a survivor.

“I knew I needed something to get me out of my own head, to break my cycles of isolation,” he says. “My wife suggested we get another dog. So we started looking at our local rescues until we found the right one.”

Thad would soon discover that a dog’s love what just what he needed to remind him every day – even every moment – that life is worth living.

A dog named Lettie

Thad visited KC Campus for Animal Care, which is part of the KC Pet Project.

In addition to the Kansas City campus, the organization has shelters in Zona Rosa and Overland Park. All offer veterans in our program discounted adoptions for saving program-eligible dogs and cats.

The Air Force veteran liked the idea of adopting through our nonprofit organization. We exist to give veterans the healing powers of a companion dog or cat while saving the most vulnerable shelter animals.

True to form, Thad was thinking about how he could help others in need.

“I thought maybe if I went through an organization like Pets for Patriots there would come a time when I could give something back,” he shares.

“Maybe help some other veterans. Connect and tell my story and encourage other veterans who might be on the fence about adopting.”

Thad’s story would not be complete without Lettie, however. It was early January 2023 when the then two year-old dog with honey-gold fur would find a new home and a new purpose, as well.

“…helps me live in the moment”

A dog’s love is like no other. It is without boundary, condition, or judgement. And it was what Thad needed to remind himself that life is worth living.

Little is known about Lettie’s prior life, brief as it was. At just two years old she is a young adult dog with a cheerful demeanor and an insatiable appetite for playing fetch. It is hard to imagine how she found herself homeless, but such is the plight of millions of animals who enter shelters each year in the United States.

Lettie was quick to earn her keep. Her zest for life – and tennis balls – is contagious.

“We jokingly call her Lettie Monster and a Tasmanian devil, like in the cartoons, because she has so much energy and can be full of mischief if left unsupervised for .12 seconds. One of her favorite activities is to go to the dog park and fetch a ball I throw with a chuck-it,” Thad says. “She just throws everything she has into each launch of the ball.”

Perhaps it is this dog’s love of something as simple as a tossed ball that offers Thad a valuable life lesson. Find something – and someone – to love. Throw your whole heart into everything you do, no matter how insignificant it may seem to others.

“Lettie has helped me so much already in the short few months we’ve had her,” he shares. “She gets me out of my head, helps me live in the moment, gets me out into the weather – sunshine, rain, snow, whatever – and out of my destructive thought patterns.”

“…there is joy and goodness in the world”

Thad has spent his entire adult life saving and helping other people. Then came the day when he needed help as well. The Air Force veteran took the courageous step to seek out that help, and where it fell short he decided to adopt a companion pet.

Thad realizes that his experience will resonate with many veterans who find themselves dealing with invisible wounds. He offers them a message of hope.

“Look, I don’t think all veterans are the same. Maybe I can’t speak to all of them. But for the ones who might have PTSD, depression, loneliness or just missing something, I would definitely encourage them to adopt a pet,” he says.

“Maybe if I had Lettie earlier, she might have helped me avoid going to those dark places a lot of us know way too much about.”

Above all, it is a rescue dog’s love that is keeping her Air Force veteran grounded. She lives in the moment – like all animals – and expresses her enthusiasm over what may seem like trivial things. But in the end life is about appreciating the small things that, taken together, add up to a wonderful life.

“She’s constantly there for me,” Thad says, “and reminds me that there is joy and goodness in the world.”

Did you enjoy this story?
Don’t miss the next one.

Sign up for our newsletter

PreviousNext

3 comments

  1. Alyson A. says:
    May 5, 2023 at 3:36 pm

    Thank you for your service. Your testimony (and Lettie’s) will surely bring encouragement and hope to others who are battling PTSD. You make the perfect pair!

  2. Dorothy Greynolds says:
    April 18, 2023 at 10:07 am

    I hope you and Lettie have a long, beautiful future together.

  3. MJ says:
    April 18, 2023 at 9:55 am

    Thad, your story touched me in so many ways. Similarly, I suffered from depression and isolation, but not as severely as you did. And adopting a dog saved me too. Nothing can come close to the unconditional love and loyalty of a dog, and I wish you many many years of “chucking it” with Lettie.

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

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
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
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.