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 › Sky is the limit for immigrant airman with superhero dreams and compassion for animals

Sky is the limit for immigrant airman with superhero dreams and compassion for animals

October 14, 2019Dog tales

Sky is the limit for immigrant airman with superhero dreams and compassion for animals

Margarita serves in the Air Force National Guard where “the sky is the limit.” In 2018 she adopted a Chihuahua mix, aptly named Sky, from Blount County Animal Center. 

Sky joins the Guardsman, her husband – a veteran as well – and the rest of their four-legged pack. Margarita tells their tale.

Born to serve

I was born and raised in a small eastern European country. My father served in the Air Force. I grew up surrounded by airplanes and men in uniforms.

I always loved military mentality, lifestyle and the smell of jet fuel on my dad’s flight suit.

I guess I can say I was born with military in my DNA. However, where I come from, women do not serve in the military. Growing up, I wished to be a flight attendant. That is the closest a girl from my country could get to airplanes and uniforms.

When I came to the U.S. in 2013, I started noticing women in uniform. I admired them. They all were like Wonder Women to me, someone I could only dream to be.

I mean, I am not from here. I am not good, smart, strong enough – those were torturing, annoying thoughts.

One day I heard of Air National Guard and bingo! my eyes were open. I viewed it as a “part-time military” at the time. I put all my fears away and scheduled a meeting with a recruiter.

It was a very Merry Christmas

Oh what a journey it was! One of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. Starting with ASVAB test which made no sense to my European brain (five years later, I still think in metric and Celsius) and long, exhausting background investigation, I finally received my basic training dates.

Sky is the limit for immigrant airman with superhero dreams and compassion for animals

Eight-week long training at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), Texas was intense, mentally and physically challenging, but I was ecstatic to finally be there.

While most fellow trainees missed home, family and their normal lifestyle, I would get chills of excitement with every new day and accomplishment.

I felt like I was living in an American movie and couldn’t wait to tell my friends and family about this amazing experience.

Finally, my flight graduated on Christmas day with numerous honors. On top of that, I received my certificate of naturalization and became a proud American citizen on the same day.

The making of a leader

A lot of great things happened in the next two years.

By the end of basic military training I knew military was where I belonged. I worked really hard; my eagerness and dedication did not go unnoticed, and it wasn’t long before I was hired for a full-time position with Kentucky Air National Guard.

Sooner than I realized, I was getting close to the promotion time, and the last thing I had to accomplish before then was to attend Airman Leadership School (ALS) at McGhee Tyson AFB, Tennessee.

ALS program is designed to develop airmen into effective supervisors and focuses on developing leadership abilities, the profession of arms, responsibility and effective communication. It was a great 24-day course with 14 amazing classmates from all over the U.S.

A big part of our ALS course was taking an additional duty and staying responsible for it during the training period. Someone was assigned to be a physical training monitor, someone became an after class study coordinator.

I was responsible for making sure my class performs volunteer work at a local community. I offered helping out at a local Blount animal shelter, and my class enthusiastically agreed.

The eyes have it

It was a beautiful, sunny September day.

Sky is the limit for immigrant airman with superhero dreams and compassion for animals

We all pitched in and bought plenty of dog [and] cat food, treats and toys for our new little friends. All day we played and wrestled with dogs outside, held cats, gave baths, cleaned and scrubbed the facility.

The staff was so amazing. They told us about the shelter, about volunteering, and about [the] Pets for Patriots program.

It was late afternoon; all dogs were tired, cats were purring, every little shelter resident got plenty of hugs and treats. We took a group picture and said goodbyes to the staff and other volunteers – in those few hours, we became a family.

I was stepping out the door when a tiny little creature caught my eye. I had to look closer to realize it’s a dog, an itty bitty skinny terrier with enormous ears. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

Another volunteer told me she was surrendered by her owner. Due to malnutrition and neglect she completely lost her coat, several teeth and weighed just a little over four pounds – her tiny bones were showing through leathery skin.

I’ve never seen eyes more sad. I couldn’t get little sad Sky out of my head.

At night, I teared up in my dorm room thinking how scared that tiny heart is right now, in a dark crate, feeling alone and abandoned. I already had two happy pups waiting for me at home, and I had no thoughts of adopting more animals.

But Sky’s sad eyes wouldn’t leave me alone.

For the love of shelter pets

As soon as my class was over the next day, I went back to the animal shelter to meet Sky. I had to see her one more time.

I found her in the arms of a volunteer (those people are true heroes), because [the] poor girl wouldn’t stop shaking. She needed to feel human affection, otherwise, they feared, her tiny heart might give up.

Sky is the limit for immigrant airman with superhero dreams and compassion for animals

I sat next to the volunteer lady, and Sky, all four pounds of skin and bones, crawled into my lap. That moment I knew I won’t be going home to Kentucky without this little treasure. If my heart and home was big enough for two dogs, there was more than enough space for this sweet girl.

Graduation was 10 days away, studying got intense, but I visited Sky almost every day – even if only for 30 minutes. I’d bring her (and other pups and cats) bags of good food and treats. Sky would not want to leave my lap and it was heartbreaking to leave her every time.

I got in touch with Pets for Patriots.

Sky was a special needs dog because of her health condition and dental problems caused by malnutrition and neglect. The more I learned about the program, the more I loved their mission.

I wanted to adopt her through Pets for Patriots so both of us – Sky and I – could share our story and be advocates for pets still looking for their forever home.

Homeward bound

September 26th of 2018 was a special day. Not only I graduated from Airman Leadership School, but I finally picked up Sky from the shelter and we headed home to Kentucky.

Even four hours on the road showed a dramatic difference. She explored the car, looked outside the window and for the first time I noticed how long her cute little tail is – it was always tucked in when I visited her at the shelter.

My English Mastiff Reese and Yorkie mix Schatzi were quite surprised when their “hooman mom” showed up home with a new baby, but they accepted her right away. It was so sweet to watch them all wrestle and cuddle.

Sky is the limit

I was worried Sky will have a lot of behavior problems related to her past – it could’ve been anything. She did shake and whimper in her sleep. She did not enjoy her food – she’d simply inhale it with a few bites in a fear it will be taken from her.

And the saddest thing – she did not believe she is at her forever home. While Reese and Schatzi would be ecstatic to meet me home after work, Sky would just lay in her little bed and watch them happily jump around me. Her little heart was broken by humans before, and she was afraid to love again.

Just in a few months Sky dramatically changed.

She gained weight quickly – I gave her only the best food. She learned to enjoy it; the variety of treats amazed her.

Sky is the limit for immigrant airman with superhero dreams and compassion for animals

Today she is seven lbs and perfectly healthy! Her coat grew back – she is so fuzzy, prickly and funny. She stopped whimpering in her sleep – but now she barks when she wants to play with the Yorkie sister or when she teases her Mastiff brother.

Sky is the sweetest, most loved and loving, the happiest doggy there is – and now she is the first one to greet me at the door!

What I love most about Sky is something we have in common.

We both are stubborn, resilient and we are way stronger than we appear. We did not give up when the times got rough – we kept pressing on.

If you believe in yourself and refuse to give up, eventually your dreams will be within your reach. Be patient, be strong, and never quit.  As we say in the Air Force – aim high; sky is the limit!

PreviousNext

3 comments

  1. Christine E says:
    October 15, 2019 at 9:09 pm

    I am so glad you found Sky and could offer her the love she never had. She is so precious with those bat ears! A heartwarming story of how consistent love makes the body and soul blossom. Blessings to you.

  2. Eileen Salmas says:
    October 15, 2019 at 6:43 pm

    What a great story and what a kind heart you have.Sky looks just like my little Gazelle. I wish I could send you a picture of her.

  3. Panda J. says:
    October 15, 2019 at 10:07 am

    Thank you for sharing your story today…you made me smile on a hard day. Sky and your other pups are very lucky to have such a loving family. God Bless all of you for many, many years to come. And thank you for your service to our country!

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

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
There's just something about Hairy! For the past y There's just something about Hairy!
For the past year this handsome hound has been the resident dog ambassador at @bobbyhotel where he's been a guest favorite, greeting all visitors (2- and 4-legged alike). 

Now it's Hairy's time to check out of the hotel and into the home of a U.S. veteran living within a 40-mile driving distance to our partners @nashvillehumane.

Application deadline is Monday, May 31 - Memorial Day! 🇺🇸

What you should know about Hairy:
❤ Loves frolicking in the yard and working on his frisbee-catching skills
❤ Adores car rides - a great travel buddy!
❤ Visits to the beach? Yes, please!
❤ Expert snuggler, couch curler-upper
❤ Active household that loves adventure - a must!
❤ Good with both dogs and cats...furreal!

Veterans living within 40 driving miles of our partners Nashville Humane Association must apply both to the shelter and Pets for Patriots by Monday, May 31. Hurry for Hairy!

Apply to NHA: https://nashvillehumane.org/news/nha-pets/hairy/

Apply to PFP: https://pfp.care/adopt

Stay tuned in the coming weeks to meet Hairy's new humans! P.S. Click the link in our bio to learn more about this exciting 'Hotel to Home' partnership!
It’s Monday. Berry says please come back Tuesday It’s Monday. Berry says please come back Tuesday. ❤️ #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #olddogsrule #olddogsofinstagram #seniorpets #adoptaseniordog #adoptaseniorcat #americanbully #muttsrule #pibble #pibblesofinstagram #dontbullymybully
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.