Dona vowed that one day she would adopt a four-legged companion. Years after separating from service a spirited rescue dog was the right pet at the right time.

Camaraderie

In 1983 Dona enlisted in the Air Force, where she served as a surgical technologist based out of San Antonio. These skilled professionals assist with surgeries, prepare the operating room, sterilize surgical instruments, and provide patient care.

Enlisting in the military offered a meaningful alternative career path since higher education was out of reach financially.

“I knew my parents could not afford college,” she says of her decision to enlist, “and I wanted to join the military.”

Dona served stateside for her entire tour of duty. She has fond memories of the intramural sports available on base, and recalls an opportunity to play volleyball in the sprawling Air Force base in Colorado Springs.

Above all, Dona remembers the camaraderie.

“The team was so much fun and we all got along great.”

In 1987 Dona separated from service and set about building her life as a civilian. Decades later that would include a spirited rescue dog.

“I wanted to get a dog”

In the years that followed the timing was never quite right for Dona to adopt a companion pet. Her desire to save a four-legged friend remained an unfulfilled dream.

However, the Air Force veteran wanted to make sure she had time to care for a pet—specifically, a dog.

“I have always loved dogs,” she shares, “and knew I wanted one once my job situation allowed it.”

In 2025 Dona was finally able to reduce her work hours. At last, time was on her side.

“I finally could go down to part-time and I wanted to get a dog,” she says. “Before I felt I was gone too long, but now it works great being part-time.”

The search begins

Dona started her search for a companion pet online, like many adopters. She saw a particular dog’s profile on Petfinder that led her to our pet adoption program for military veterans.

“Pets for Patriots popped up and it was such a gift,” she recalls. “They helped so much and showed me different shelters that I did not know about.”

In January 2025 Mia was a large Poodle mix who was found as a stray. Despite her previous life of neglect she is friendly with cats, children, and other dogs.

Mia is one of millions of animals who enter shelters each year—enough to fill all Major League Baseball stadiums combined—who have tremendous potential to be wonderful companions. They just need a chance.

Take a chance on Mya

Mia was in a sorry state when she entered a Madison, Wisconsin animal shelter. Her now beautiful, curly black locks were filthy and matted. She was timid at first, but her shyness fades quickly once she realizes people mean her no harm.

Dona was smitten. The spirited rescue dog was exactly the kind of dog she wanted: playful, friendly, a dog she can take almost anywhere pets are permitted, without worry.

So in early February 2025 Mia—since renamed Mya—finally had a home. And Dona found the lively companion she dreamed about for years.

The Air Force veteran could have adopted Mya without the help of our program, but the benefits we offer ease the financial burdens of welcoming home a new pet. In addition, we follow up with every adopter for a minimum of one year.

“I definitely would recommend Pets for Patriots. They are so supporting and helpful,” she says. “They help get me started with the things I needed for a new pet.”

Dona will never know about Mya’s previous life before she was found as a stray. However, DNA testing revealed that the spirited dog is 96.4 percent Standard Poodle; the rest is Golden Retriever.

The curly-haired dog is proving to be faithful to her breed mix. She is highly intelligent and loves to play ball.

Most of all, Mya is the companion that Dona dreamed about adopting when the time was right. Shifting from full- to part-time work created space in her life to fill with the joys of a companion pet.

“Mya is wonderful and keeps me busy. We love walks, playing ball, visiting friends and there is always something to do,” she says. “Mya does not allow me to just sit around.”