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 › Three-legged dog inspires combat soldier, sailor and Marine to give him a forever home

Three-legged dog inspires combat soldier, sailor and Marine to give him a forever home

July 6, 2020Dog tales

Three-legged dog inspires combat soldier, sailor and Marine to give him a forever home

Mark Twain once said that it is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. A three-legged dog proves this every day to the combat veteran who gave him a second chance.

Born to serve

Rob has dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. He has served in three of the United States armed forces – first with the Army, Marine Corps, and now as a Navy chaplain.

The career veteran’s love of country is indisputable.

“First I was a soldier, 87-90. Then I was a Marine, 90-98. And now I am a sailor, commissioned in ’06 and planning to keep going until I’m too old to serve,” he says. “I love what I do, and who I serve with – America’s best and brightest!”

Recently Rob was transferred to Rhode Island, where he serves at the Navy Leadership and Ethics Center headquarters in Newport. The organization schools more than 400 prospective commanding officers in ethical leadership.

While the career veteran is a military careerist, he is equally devoted to his family life.

“My wife Crystal and I just celebrated our 28th anniversary,” he says.

The couple have two grown, married children, as well as two young grandsons. Life is good for this combat veteran, but he had a nagging sense that it was incomplete.

From South Carolina, with love

Shortly after his transfer to Newport, Rob sensed that something was lacking in his life. That something was a four-legged companion. So the career veteran and his wife visited Potter League for Animals in nearby Middletown.

The shelter offers veterans in our program a 25 percent discount on adoption fees and half-priced dog training classes.

The staff at Potter League for Animals told Rob about Pets for Patriots once they learned that he was a military veteran. He applied to our program in late summer, but did not finalize his application until several months later when he met a dog who stole his heart.

Three-legged dog inspires combat soldier, sailor and Marine to give him a forever home

Wolfie was a one year-old, mixed-breed tripawd dog when he met Rob and his wife in the waning days of December.

Earlier in the month Wolfie had been transferred from a shelter in South Carolina after his rear hind leg was amputated. Little is known about why the young dog needed to have his leg removed.

But the three-legged pup was put on the long road trip in the hopes of a better life.

It is common for companion animals to be transported from shelters in one part of the country to others where they are more likely to be adopted.

The chaplain and the three-legged dog

Rob was smitten instantly with Wolfie. After letting his Pets for Patriots application go dormant for a few months, he provided his documentation to us and was approved.

The three-legged dog was all the inspiration he needed.

So just days before the New Year, Rob and Wolfie – renamed Gus – were adopted. And while the combat veteran was looking for a four-legged friend, the three-legged one he chose brings him no less joy.

“Gus has no idea he only has three legs”

The mixed breed pup has a zest for life that is contagious. Rob and Crystal are overwhelmed with the positive transformation made possible by this once unwanted dog.

Three-legged dog inspires combat soldier, sailor and Marine to give him a forever home

“Gus has brought fresh energy, unconditional love, and an indomitable happiness,” Rob says. “It’s as if losing his leg has freed up his tail to be even more enthusiastic!”

But do not tell Gus that he is a three-legged dog – or that being a tripawd will limit him in any way. In fact, most animals who endure amputations adapt very well, even those who are older than Gus.

“Gus has no idea he only has three legs, seriously,” Rob shares. “He sometimes slips, or tips over, but he recovers and carries on with his tail wagging!”

Helping people, helping pets

Rob has been a giver all of his life.

Since 1987 the combat has sacrificed much in defense of our nation. Now in the twilight of a long military career he is helping to cultivate the next generation of leaders.

Like many veterans in our program who give so much of themselves, Rob appreciates having someone help him. His experience with Pets for Patriots has been a rewarding one, both before and since his adoption.

“The support to the process is tremendous, which makes what could be a difficult and expensive adoption very simple,” he says. “Plus there is a good feeling in adopting a pet that other folks might not appreciate.”

Of course, the process is just a means to an end. The real magic is uniting veterans who need a new pet friend with a dog or cat in search of a loving home. All of the benefits of our program are designed to foster that bond – and make companion pet adoption more affordable, too.

“I didn’t see a three-legged dog. I saw a fighter…”

So a man who has served in the Army, Marines, and the Navy, and who counsels future military leaders, is himself uplifted by his three-legged dog.

“We absolutely love Gus,” he shares. “He has definitely been good for our morale!”

Three-legged dog inspires combat soldier, sailor and Marine to give him a forever home

All of Gus’ fur has grown back from where it was shaved for his amputation surgery. And Rob says that his spirited pup knows no boundaries or limitations – almost.

“Although he does tend to wipe out from time to time,” he jokes. “That missing leg was actually useful for some things!”

But beyond Gus’ joyful spirit and entertaining antics lies more profound lessons, in love and life. Both Rob and Gus have endured much in their respective lives. Each has battle scars they will carry forever, but neither lets those wounds define him.

In some ways Rob sees in his adopted amputee a reflection of himself. Someone who accepts life as it is, not what it might have been. A soul who embraces the many gifts bestowed upon him – like a loving home and family.

“As a combat wounded veteran, I didn’t see a three-legged dog. I saw a fighter, a pup who’s attitude isn’t shaped by what he’s not, but enjoying who he is,” Rob shares. “I was happy to give this little veteran of difficult circumstances a home, but even more happy that he included me in his circle of trust.”

PreviousNext

4 comments

  1. Karen says:
    July 7, 2020 at 11:26 am

    Tears of joy !! A beautiful story … God Bless !

  2. Diane says:
    July 7, 2020 at 10:04 am

    That is such a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing! Gus, thanks for taking this family under your care! 😊. You have a wonderful soul and such a handsome face! Best of luck to all of you! Keep those tails wagging!

  3. Panda J, says:
    July 7, 2020 at 10:03 am

    Thank you for your service, Rob. And thanks to you and Crystal for seeing the beauty and worth of Gus…you both are remarkable people. I hope the 3 of you have a long and happy life together. God Bless y’all.

  4. Alexandra Chappell says:
    July 7, 2020 at 9:21 am

    What an uplifting story of looking for the positive in every situation! Gus is a lovely dog who endured a life-changing amputation yet had accepted his plight and who brings great happiness to his family. And Rob and Crystal gave Gus a wonderfully happy home to an animal who would have been hard to place because of his situation. Bravo!

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.