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
    • 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 › Rescued adult dog saves Coast Guard veteran from depression

Rescued adult dog saves Coast Guard veteran from depression

September 24, 2012Dog tales, Mental health

A rescued dog always seems to know when it’s been given another chance, and often returns the favor. This is the case with Charlotte, an adult dog who rescued her savior, a Coast Guard veteran, from the grips of his depression.

Al is a Coast Guard veteran who was honorably adopted last June by Charlotte, a four year-old Pug-Beagle mix (“Puggle”), at Pets for Patriots’ adoption partner Michigan Humane Society.

An avid diver, Al joined the Coast Guard in the late 1970’s. When he decided to enlist, it was the lifesaving aspects of the job that attracted him to the Coast Guard. Among the memorable events of his service were his tours of Antarctica. While the Coast Guard was hard work, Al enjoyed dives both on- and off-duty with his military buddies in Hawaii, the Polynesian Islands and elsewhere on his way to Antarctica.

Growing up in Michigan, Al and his family always owned dogs. His favorite childhood pet was a cockapoo named Smokey, who followed Al everywhere when he was home.

As an adult, this Coast Guard veteran thought about, but never owned a dog. His interest piqued last spring when he watched a segment about Pets for Patriots on Detroit’s Fox 2 News.

“They did a really thorough job explaining how the Pets for Patriots program works. After watching that piece, I thought ‘why not me?’”

Particularly appealing to him was how Pets for Patriots makes pet adoption and ownership affordable for veterans.

“I’m on disability, so the adoption discount and the discount for veterinary services are a big help to me.”

In June, the Coast Guard veteran visited his local Pets for Patriots adoption partner, the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) in Westland, to search for his new best friend. There he saw for the first time a Puggle, which moments earlier had found a new home. It seemed like such a good dog that it inspired Al to adopt a Puggle as well.

Since no other Puggles were available at the time, Al left his contact information with Gary Roush, a dual MHS and Pets for Patriots volunteer, and requested that he be notified if any other Puggles were brought into the shelter.

Just a few weeks later, Al’s request was granted. Gary called him to let him know that two Puggles, Wilbur and Charlotte, had arrived at the humane society. Al fell in love with Charlotte – at 22 pounds, the more petite of the two dogs – and decided to give her a forever home.

Al immediately realized the benefits of adopting a mature dog. Apparently Charlotte had been house-trained and received some basic obedience training in her previous home.

“She’s well-mannered and loves to give kisses. She knows I’m a pushover, but really, I have no complaints.”

Over the past few months, Al has found that Charlotte has made his life a lot more pleasant.

“She’s changed my life. I enjoy our walks, spending time outdoors with her, watching TV with her.” As a bonus, Charlotte has become sensitized to Al’s bouts with depression, trying harder during tough times to lift his spirits.

“I couldn’t ask for a better buddy. She’s the best girl friend I’ve ever had.”

To other veterans considering adopting a companion pet, Al provides this advice:

“I couldn’t be happier with the difference that Charlotte has made in my life. Pets for Patriots made the pet adoption process a really positive experience for me. Get over to a Pets for Patriots shelter and find your best buddy today.”

How does your pet lift your spirits?

PreviousNext

8 comments

  1. debb says:
    July 24, 2014 at 10:57 am

    Since my mom passed, her Pittie Junior has helped my 82 yo dad pull himself out of his natural depression at losing his life mate. Thank you Junior.

  2. Adrian Meli says:
    October 8, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    Pets for Patriots (and Beth), what a wonderful story-thank you for sharing. Al and Charlotte sound like a great team that will as many years of fond memories ahead of them. Your organization continues to do an amazing amount of good. We look forward to continuing to follow your progress. Thank you again for everything you are doing.

  3. Pingback: “The best girlfriend I’ve ever had” : Doggies.com Dog Blog
  4. Jim Petoskey says:
    September 29, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    I did not receive a dog from Pets for Patriots but I did receive one from Operation Wolfhound, a organization that trains the Russian wolfhounds for PTSD Veterans. In spite of the recent discouraging actions by the Veterans administration to ban Service dogs excpet those certified by one organization, my dog, Bocelli, has made life possible to live again. He detects panic attacks and go into action. My sugar drops, he gets me to sit down even before I feel it gets too low. But the proudest moment in my life was when a VA Police Officer in Fargo, North Dakota took exception with my dog being a service dog. After explaining the ADA to him, he disagreed even after offering to show the act which I carry with me. After I ascertained if I was being arrested or detained, he replied I had not so I walked around the officer to comtinue my pre-surgery physical. With both heels of his hands, forcefully planted them into my chest stopping my motion. My buddy Bochelli, acted as he was taught, he got between me and the aggressor and was backing me away from the treat. No aggression, not even a growl. I trust him to no end as I can walk freely about, I am not secluded in my residence as I once was. I am able to start to enjoy life again. He knows when I am feeling depressed and acts accordingly. Nightmares, he wakes me up. My VA appointments, thats another story, I am not allowed to bring him into the hospital even though I was given a prescription for such animal from a VA Psychiatrist. It cost them nothing, I flew to California where he was trained, received training and flew back, all on my dime. But, Bocelli is worth every dime I spent and more. So, I am a big supporter of these organizations who make these dogs possible.

    Thank you

    1. Pets for Patriots says:
      September 29, 2012 at 5:04 pm

      Jim, first of all – thank you for your service.

      At Pets for Patriots, we hear many similar stories of the life-saving abilities of “ordinary” adopted shelter pets, for our veterans with PTSD, depression and other psychological issues. Even when not specifically trained like Bochelli, these dogs and cats have an intuitive sense of when their owner is in distress.

      As for the irony of the VA not permitting your service dog on premises (we believe in violation of the ADA) when he was prescribed by your psychiatrist, well, that’s another story altogether! Hopefully one day the government will abide by the laws it creates for the rest of us.

      Many thanks for sharing your experiences with us!

  5. Jacqueline Samper says:
    September 25, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    I want you all to know its a great program! I’m really happy that you found the best and unconditional friend a DOG,they are really the best medicine! me and my husband adopted a few days ago a German shepherd through Pets for Patriots and we are really very happy to see how she has improved the bondage with us and feels love.unfortunately a sick human being abused her up to the point that she is tremendously afraid of men but with Gods help and love she will be free of all this harm.

    Hope you continue to enjoy your new friend!

    Jacqueline Samper

  6. Gary Roush says:
    September 25, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    It is my pleasure and honor to be a volunteer representative for both the Pets for Patriots and Michigan Humane Society organizations. I have the wonderful opportunity to help patriots like Al and pets like Charlotte find each other and become the best buddies and the life-long support they both desire and deserve. Any of you Patriots in Michigan that are looking for a new best friend, your buddy awaits at the Michigan Humane Society. Contact Pets for Patriots and get started, I’m here to help.

  7. Pingback: Rescued adult dog saves Coast Guard veteran from depression … « Pets Answer

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

Can we please take a moment to behold Smokey's spe Can we please take a moment to behold Smokey's spectacular ears? 

Okay...moment over! 🤣 This hunky hound just hit the adoption jackpot when Annette and her husband - both Air Force veterans - added this 3+ year-old fella to their family. We thank these high-flying patriots for their service and for opening their hearts and home to this magnificent beast!

#staffysaturday #dontbullymybreed #loveabull #airforceveteran #militaryfamily #petsforpatriots
When you've got a great name like Jean-Paul, you j When you've got a great name like Jean-Paul, you just have to adopt a dog with a double name, too...like Russia Roo!

This sweet shepherd mix and her Army veteran dad became the 148th match through our partners @pgc_pets4us - which waives adoption fees for veterans in our program...woot!

#armystrong #armyveteran #shepherdsofinstagram #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #petsforpatriots
Henley was in a Virginia animal shelter until one Henley was in a Virginia animal shelter until one day when the coy cat chose a dual Navy couple as his own. In time he would prove his mettle as a “little therapy cat.”

Click the link in our bio to read this purr-fect adoption tale, and thanks to our partners @chesapeakehumane for helping us make it all happen!

#adoptasheltercat #navycouple #iserved #therapycat #petsforpatriots
Mila is mesmerizing!! This stunning 3 year-old mi Mila is mesmerizing!!

This stunning 3 year-old mix just set sail with Jared, who for more than 10 years and counting serves in the Navy. The pair were matched through our partners @kitsaphumanesociety which offers veterans in our program 50% off adoption fees. Anchors aweigh!

#navy #adoptashelterdog #kitsaphumanesociety #petsforpatriots #muttsrule
Megan serves in the Navy and just threw a lifeline Megan serves in the Navy and just threw a lifeline (and a cone!) to Little Man, a stunning adult cat she met through our partners @vbspca. Megan received a 25% adoption fee discount and has access to their low-cost veterinary clinic without proof of income - just a couple of the benefits of adopting through our partnership.

All we know is that this is one very lucky black cat! Smooth sailing, Megan and Little Man!

#blackcat #adoptasheltercat #femaleveteran #navyveteran #petsforpatriots
Last week we shared that Joan, Army veteran, bid h Last week we shared that Joan, Army veteran, bid her senior Pittie rescue and @petsforpatriots alum Jerry a peaceful trip over the Rainbow Bridge. 🌈

Joan knew she needed to dust herself off and save another 4-legged soul, so earlier this week she rescued 5 year-old Smokey, a stunning Cane Corso she met through our partners Baltimore County Animal Services, which gives veterans we serve 50% off adoption fees.

We're so honored that many veterans, like Joan, are repeat adopters through our program - embracing our mission to save the most vulnerable shelter animals while benefiting from their loyalty and love. ❤️

#rainbowbridge🌈 #adoptashelterdog #armystrong #petsforpatriots
Pet adoption was not in Linda’s plans until one Pet adoption was not in Linda’s plans until one day when the lonely Marine met a shelter cat who turned her life around.

“I never knew one could love an animal so deeply. She brings so much happiness to my life."

Click the link in our bio to read this sweet tale, and thanks to @vbspca for another purr-fect match together!

#adoptasheltercat #loneliness #femaleveteran #marinecorps #beapetshero #petsforpatriots #youarenotalone
Cornelia was born and raised in France and her hus Cornelia was born and raised in France and her husband Ed in Belgium. Yet both served their adopted nation - Ed in the Navy and Cornelia in the Army. The pair met in New Jersey and married on Veterans Day more than 20 years ago.

These days the couple lives in an assisted living facility and, sadly, Ed's health is such that he's not always able to interact with Cornelia. She grew lonely and wanted nothing more than a little dog to love.

After months of searching, mission accomplished! Thanks to our partners @ywacpets for going the extra mile to help Cornelia find the perfect match:

"She's exactly what I needed and wanted.  She's 9 pounds of love.  She kisses me on the mouth and then turns on her back placing her neck over my mouth so I can kiss her and tell her I love her.  She sleeps with me and is being spoiled rotten by all the employees at the facility, directors on down." ~ Cornelia, US Army veteran ❤️

#armystrong #femaleveteran #adoptashelterpet #loverescuedme #petsforpatriots
Sometimes you can just see the JOY!! 🥰 Michael Sometimes you can just see the JOY!! 🥰

Michael is an Army veteran and just added 4 year-old Allie to his pack, which includes 12 year-old pup Roscoe and "a few others." Okay!

Thanks to our partners @baltcogov Animal Services for offering veterans we serve 50% off their already affordable adoption fees...woot!!

#armystrong #adoptionistheonlyoption #petsforpatriots #baltimorecounty #muttsrule
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.