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 a ray of light for grieving Marine Corps veteran

Rescue dog a ray of light for grieving Marine Corps veteran

October 15, 2018Dog tales

Rescue dog a ray of light for grieving Marine Corps veteran

A Marine Corps veteran found that his military training did not prepare him for the most challenging battle of his life: losing his father to cancer. Yet it was a rescue dog in need of saving as well who proved to be the answer to his grief.

Born to serve

Since he was five years-old Jim knew that he wanted to be in the Marines. 

One day a friend’s father, who happened to be a Marine Corps recruiter, spoke at his school’s career day. In 1996 and once he was of age, Jim enlisted in the Corps in Quantico, Virginia.

Jim completed his tour of duty and received an honorable discharge. He would ultimately settle in Florida, where he currently lives and works. The veteran is part of a close-knit family that spends a lot of quality time together.

“We always have family night every Sunday night,” he says.

The ultimate battle

Few things in life prepare us for losing a beloved family member. Yet Jim was faced with the reality that his father was dying from cancer – a battle he lost in September of 2017.

“My dad died of cancer,” Jim shares, “and about a month after I saw Max on Big Dog Ranch [Rescue] website and knew he was the one.”

Spurred by grief, the Marine Corps veteran thought about adopting a companion pet and started his search online at Big Dog Ranch Rescue.

Since 2012, the rescue has partnered with us to find loving military homes for the most overlooked dogs in their care. Veterans in our program receive a steeply discounted adoption fee of $50 from the rescue, in addition to other cost-saving benefits provided by Pets for Patriots.

Rescue dog a ray of light for grieving Marine Corps veteran

The Marine Corps veteran heard about our companion pet adoption program through a friend. Jim decided to adopt through us and our partnership with Big Dog Ranch Rescue because our mission supports not just homeless pets, but veterans, too.

“Even just reducing the adoption fee helps a lot,” says Jim.

Max was a then two year-old German Shepherd/Labrador mix in need of a hero. Little could Jim know that this rescue dog would in turn become a hero to him.

For the love of a rescue dog

Like every faithful friend, the rescue dog lets Jim know that he is missed when he leaves the house. He is always ready to welcome his Marine home.

“Even if I have a bad day Max greets me at the door when I come home,” Jim says.

Perhaps what the grieving veteran values most are the moments of levity that Max brings into his world. Max’s silly antics make it impossible not to smile and revel in his well-deserved freedom.

Rescue dog a ray of light for grieving Marine Corps veteran

“He is very goofy and playful,” Jim says. “Sleeps in many weird positions, and when he sleeps on his back he snores.”

Welcoming Max into Jim’s life has done wonders for the Marine Corps veteran and his family. And all the rescue dog has to do is be himself – no special training required.

For individuals who neither need nor qualify for a service animal, a companion dog or cat can work wonders. And be no less lifesaving. 

“Max has helped a lot,” Jim says. “He has brought not only me, but my brother and mother comfort and love.”

PreviousNext

6 comments

  1. Leon Schwartz says:
    October 21, 2018 at 12:20 am

    I lost my wife of 50 years to COPD in March of this year. Our rescued dog MILEY who is an American Lab has been with us for 11 years and was a comfort to both my wife and I. When Miley realized that Anne was not returning to our home she took it upon herself to finally become affectionate. She is by my side constantly, and although she is 12 years old she still greets me every time I return home. She also receives a doggie treat when I exit my vehicle. Enjoy your new best buddy

  2. Mary Eaton says:
    October 16, 2018 at 8:06 pm

    Love the pictures you’ve shared. Max looks to be full of fun and antics. A good tradition, the once a week family gathering. Perhaps you do as my adult children and I do, once in a while, which is have a toast to their Dad, now dead 12 years. Thank you for your service and rescuing this handsome fella.

  3. Lori says:
    October 16, 2018 at 12:09 pm

    Thanks for sharing your story Jim. We adopted our beagle from Big Dog Ranch too! He also sleeps in many weird positions that make me laugh every time. So glad you found each other.
    Lori

  4. Panda J. says:
    October 16, 2018 at 9:28 am

    Thank you for your service, Jim. My condolences on the loss of your father. The pictures of you and Max made me smile today…I lost my precious rescue dog 2 days ago, after 7 years together, and I haven’t stopped crying since then until just now. I hope that your Max brings you as much love and companionship as my Phoebe did, and that you have a long life together. RIP, Phoebe.

    1. bethz says:
      October 16, 2018 at 12:56 pm

      Panda, we are so sorry for the loss of your pup. All of us here are pet parents and empathize with your grief. We hope your dog went in peace, and that when you’re ready you’ll save another four-legged soul.

  5. Lu says:
    October 16, 2018 at 9:22 am

    Inspiring story! Dogs are truly a gift!

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.