Brandon is an Army Reservist who finally found the right time to welcome a dog into his life. In the spring of  2026 he and his wife Joanna were smitten with a three year-old Pug mix they met at our partners SPCA Tampa Bay.

This is their story, told by Brandon in his own words.

Welcome home

Since transitioning from active duty to the Army Reserve in November 2025, life has changed in some incredible ways.

My wife and I packed up and moved across the country so I could begin a new chapter working full-time as a defense contractor. In what feels like the blink of an eye, we got married, bought our first home, and welcomed our sweet Pug, Puggles, into our family.

Together, Joanna and I love making memories through travel, exploring the outdoors, and finding new restaurants wherever our adventures take us.

This chapter of life has been filled with change, but it’s also been the most rewarding.

“It’s the camaraderie”

I have proudly served for more than nine years across all three Army components: the National Guard, active duty, and now the Army Reserve.

I began my career as a combat engineer (12B) before commissioning and transitioning to become an intelligence officer (35A).

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of serving in tactical, operational, and strategic intelligence roles, supporting missions around the world.

Every assignment has taught me something different, but the common thread has always been serving alongside incredible soldiers who continually inspire me with their resilience, professionalism, and selflessness.

One of the experiences that will always stay with me was completing the “Castle Crucible,” the 2nd Brigade Engineer Battalion’s version of a Spur Ride, while serving as a platoon leader in South Korea.

The event honors the battalion’s proud history during the Korean War and pushed us through more than 24 hours of continuous physical and mental challenges: rucking, marksmanship, tactical lanes, and countless tests of endurance.

Looking back, what stands out isn’t the exhaustion or the difficulty.

It’s the camaraderie.

Sharing that experience alongside soldiers from my platoon, encouraging one another through every challenge, created memories and bonds that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

It reminded me that some of the greatest rewards in military service come from overcoming adversity together.

On a mission

For years, my wife and I talked about getting a dog, but the demands and uncertainty of active-duty life never made it feel fair to bring one into our family.

Frequent moves, long hours, and unpredictable schedules meant we had to put that dream on hold.

When I transitioned to the Army Reserve, it finally felt like the right time.

We were excited to create a home where a pet could truly thrive, and we couldn’t wait to welcome a new family member into our lives.

My wife spent countless hours researching adoption organizations and veteran programs, wanting to find one that truly aligned with our values. When she discovered Pets for Patriots, it immediately stood out.

The mission of connecting veterans with pets in need resonated deeply with us, and it felt like the perfect way to begin our adoption journey while giving an animal a loving forever home.

House becomes a home

My family recently transitioned from active-duty military service into civilian life, and like many veterans, that transition has come with its share of challenges.

During that time, Puggles, our little Pug, has become so much more than a pet.

She has been a constant source of comfort, companionship, and joy, helping us navigate the emotional and mental adjustments that come with leaving military service and beginning a new civilian career.

It’s difficult to put into words just how much of a positive impact she has had on our well-being. She has quickly become an irreplaceable member of our family.

Puggles has brought a kind of joy into our home that we didn’t fully realize was missing. Life can still be busy with military commitments, work travel, and long days, but coming home never feels lonely anymore.

When one of us is away, Puggles fills the house with warmth, comfort, and companionship. Whether she’s curled up beside us, asking for one more cuddle, or snoring loud enough to make us laugh, she has a way of making a house feel like home. She’s become a constant reminder to slow down, enjoy the little moments, and appreciate simply being together.

Always-there friend

Puggles has exactly the personality we were hoping for. She’s the definition of a Velcro Pug; she always wants to be wherever we are, whether that’s relaxing on the couch, working around the house, or heading out for an adventure.

Our favorite memories are taking her on bike rides in her backpack and spending quiet evenings cuddling together.

She has an endless ability to make us smile with her goofy personality, contagious excitement, and unconditional affection.

No matter what kind of day we’ve had, she somehow knows exactly how to brighten it. We also recently learned that she loves clothes!

Got your six

Without hesitation, I would recommend Pets for Patriots to any veteran considering adoption.

From the very beginning, the team made the process feel personal, welcoming, and genuinely supportive.

Every interaction felt like talking with people who truly cared; not just about placing pets, but about creating lasting connections between veterans and animals who deserve loving homes.

I also know several friends who have pets, and while the financial responsibilities of pet ownership are certainly manageable, they are still something every family considers.

The support provided through Pets for Patriots helps ease some of that burden, allowing veterans to focus less on the added expenses and more on building a lifelong bond with their new companion.

“…can’t imagine life without her”

Thank you again for your kindness, your generosity, and for the incredible work you do connecting veterans with pets in need of loving homes.

Programs like yours make a real difference, and our family is living proof of that. Puggles has brought so much happiness into our lives, and we are deeply grateful that Pets for Patriots helped make that possible.

We’re incredibly grateful for everything Pets for Patriots has done to help bring Puggles into our lives.

She has become part of our family, and we can’t imagine life without her.