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 › Snaggly-toothed special needs senior dog fulfills a Navy veteran’s lifelong dream

Snaggly-toothed special needs senior dog fulfills a Navy veteran’s lifelong dream

May 20, 2019Dog tales

Snaggly-toothed special needs senior dog fulfills a Navy veteran’s lifelong dream

Just one day after being approved by Pets for Patriots, Mark fell in love with a special needs senior dog with a crooked “million dollar smile.”

Navy life

Life in the military often means life on the move. Mark was stationed out of Norfolk before receiving permanent change of station (PCS) orders to San Diego, California.

Prior to Norfolk was yet another duty station.

“I was stationed at Fort Belvoir before moving to Norfolk and joining Fleet Surgical Team 8,” he says, “where we deployed with the USS Iwo Jima.”

The Navy trains and deploys numerous medical professionals to safeguard the physical and mental health of service members. They serve wherever Naval personnel are stationed or deployed.

Mark works as a behavioral health technician, formerly known as “psych techs.” They support the mental well-being of service members on ships and forward operating bases around the world. Mark enlisted in the military to expand his horizons.

Snaggly-toothed special needs senior dog fulfills a Navy veteran’s lifelong dream

“I joined the military to see the world and possibly broaden my skills and go to school, and fulfill my goals to have a career I enjoy and love to do. Being in the medical field and specializing in psychiatry I have been exposed to a lot of situations and stories from my peers and patients.”

Mark remains on active duty and plans to stay in his career field. He enjoys the camaraderie and working with other, like-minded service members.

“It is truly a joy and honor to serve beside the strong men and women I call brothers and sisters,” he shares.

A lifelong dream comes true

Mark dreamed of having a dog since he was a boy.

“I’ve always wanted a dog growing up,” he says. “I had an iguana when I was younger and loved it so much.”

But Mark’s father was allergic and the family’s budget did not have room for a pet. Lifetime costs of pet care are one of the top reasons people do not adopt and one of the main reasons animals are surrendered.

Now grown and in the Navy, Mark decided to adopt a companion pet. A pending deployment lent a certain degree of urgency to find a furry friend.

Snaggly-toothed special needs senior dog fulfills a Navy veteran’s lifelong dream

“I figure I’m going on a deployment and my wife would need company,”  he explains. “And she had dogs growing up, so it was an easy decision.”

Mark did not envision saving a special needs senior dog, no less one who had just a few random teeth and a tongue that always slips out of his mouth.

Special needs senior dog with the ‘million dollar smile’

It was 2017 and Tux was a then six year-old dog who had been at the Virginia Beach SPCA for two months.

In addition to missing many of his teeth, the special needs senior dog has discoid lupus erythematosus. It is a treatable autoimmune disease that causes the skin to crust and scab.

The Virginia Beach SPCA offers veterans in our program 25 percent off adoptions and access to their full-service, low-cost veterinary clinic. It was shelter staff who told the Navy veteran about our partnership and encouraged him to apply.

The benefits we offer were just one part of Mark’s decision to adopt through our program. He was more inspired to be a savior to an overlooked pet. The Navy veteran wanted “to also give a dog who needed a home a chance at love again.”

Mark visited the Virginia Beach SPCA one day after being approved into our program; he fell in love with Tux instantly. The Jack Russell-Chihuahua mix has an unusual, but endearing look.

Snaggly-toothed special needs senior dog fulfills a Navy veteran’s lifelong dream

“Although he is missing a few teeth,” Mark observes, “he still has a million dollar smile!”

And so it was that Mark and Tux set sail for home. Tux has settled into his new life well. He enjoys lounging with Mark and his wife, and watching movies by the fireplace.

‘…melts my heart every time’

Older dogs and cats are among the most overlooked at shelters. Some people are leery of falling in love with a pet who might have only a few years to live. Others are worried about an animal’s unknown past.

Yet in reality mature pets have many advantages over their younger peers. Most are trained in basic manners, even if they need refreshing. And the satisfaction of giving a pet who may be in his twilight years the loving home he deserves is immeasurable.

“Most days because of his age he lays around and naps,” Mark says, “but when we mention ‘outside’ or he hears his leash and harness, he perks up, and starts zooming all over and wagging his tail. These little interactions with him and his loving stare melts my heart every time.”

For unknown reasons – perhaps prior neglect – the little special needs senior dog had lost most of his upper teeth, causing his tongue to hang out. Yet Mark was never deterred by Tux’s unusual appearance.

“He looks so goofy and innocent,” the Navy veteran says. “It’s 110% adorable.”

Love saves lives

Mark has no regrets adopting a special needs senior dog. And the Navy veteran is glad that he chose to adopt through Pets for Patriots.

“I definitely want to recommend this program for veterans because like all veterans grizzled and salty alike, pets need love too, and why not share your home with one,” he says. “They may change your life like Tux has changed mine.”

Snaggly-toothed special needs senior dog fulfills a Navy veteran’s lifelong dream

Companion pets are naturally therapeutic by their mere presence in our lives. And once adopted, it is exciting to see their personalities emerge over time as they adjust to their newfound lives.

Tux has a way of being “rambunctious” one minute and subdued the next. The little dog’s antics are a delightful antidote to the sometimes sobering work that Mark performs every day.

“He is a joy to be around, whether it’s his quirky face or energetic yelps for attention, he’s full of joy and surprises,” Mark says. “I love the way he gives us all of his love 24/7/365.”

Tux is proof that older pets often have tremendous vitality and are worthy of adoption. Many senior animals are rejuvenated once they are given love and patience, and know that they are safe.

For his part, it is all smooth sailing for Tux.

“Here we are!” Mark exclaims at their one-year adoption anniversary in 2018. “Still snaggly toothed and enjoying life!”

PreviousNext

6 comments

  1. Christine E says:
    May 22, 2019 at 9:21 pm

    Love Tux’s snaggle-toothed smile! How kind of you to adopt a special needs pet. I’m sure Tux gives you plenty of love back in return. Happiness to all of you!

  2. Bev says:
    May 21, 2019 at 9:00 pm

    Such a wonderful story. May you have many years of adventures together.

  3. Panda J. says:
    May 21, 2019 at 8:27 pm

    Thank you for your service, Mark. And thanks for looking past Tux’s appearance and seeing his heart, which is the real beauty of an animal anyway. He’s a darling dog, and I can tell he feels loved and adored by you and your family. God Bless all of you. I hope you have many happy years with Tux.

  4. Lucero Zamora says:
    May 21, 2019 at 3:26 pm

    Omgggg
    I know Mark! I know Tux is lucky to have someone like him! Tux is in great hands and I’m sure is getting lots of love!

  5. Natash Brenner says:
    May 21, 2019 at 11:06 am

    These stories gladden my heart and make my day!

  6. John A. Smaldone says:
    May 21, 2019 at 10:36 am

    Mark and Tux,

    You both look great together. congratulations and live a long happy life.

    God speed,

    John

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

Cheetos? Out! Reese Puff? In! Congratulations to Cheetos? Out! Reese Puff? In!

Congratulations to this darling brindle beauty and her new dad Jae, Army National Guard! The pair were adopted through @fultonanimalservices - one of a trio of Atlanta-area @lifelineanimal shelters in our program, all of which waive adoption fees for veterans we serve. Woot!

#pibble #pibblesofinstagram #pibbles #dontbullymybreed #dontbullymybully #loveabully #loveabull #armynationalguard #armystrong #armyveteran #armylife #atlanta #adoptdontshop #lifelineanimalproject
We love making military families complete with the We love making military families complete with the love of an adopted pet!

Meet Beulah - formerly Snoopy - and her new Navy family. The 4+ year-old hound with impossibly long ears was in the care of our partners @ri_spca when Kenneth decided to add her to his pack.

Thanks to Rhode Island SPCA, veterans in our program receive $75 off dog adoptions and $50 off cat adoptions - in addition to all of the program benefits we offer as well.

Wishing everyone calm seas and smooth sailing!

#militaryfamily #militaryfamilies #militarykids #milspouse #militaryspouse #navy #navylife #navyfamily #navyveteran #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #houndsofinstagram
Tomoka, Umami, Sky and Star, Kielbasa, Reese's Pie Tomoka, Umami, Sky and Star, Kielbasa, Reese's Pieces, Arthur, Pierogi, Corn, Juju, Tallahassee - just some of the amazing dogs and cats in our Forget Me Not campaign waiting for their heroes.

All have been in their respective shelters for longer than they deserve, overlooked by would-be adopters.

FMN pets are available to ANY qualified adopter - not just Pets for Patriots veterans - so please share their need far and wide. Because a shelter is not a home, and the longer these precious creatures spend in shelters reduces their chances of adoption even further.

Let's show these wonderful animals that their lives matter!

Click the link in our bio to meet all of our FMNs waiting for their heroes.

#forgetmenot #forgetmenots #adoptashelterdog #adoptasheltercat #adoptashelterpet #adoptdontshop #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dogsofinstagram #cats #cutedogs #cutecats
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
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.