A shelter dog who was twice adopted and twice returned enlivens the retired Air Force veteran who saved him.

Aiming high

The Air Force was not just a job to Thomas; it was a career. After enlisting in 1976 he served for 12 years before separating as an E-6, a non-commissioned officer rank of technical sergeant. But he would re-enlist in 2003, serving until his final retirement in January 2012.

Thomas served in a variety of roles during his 20 years of service.

“I was an aircraft mechanic on fighter jets,” he says. “F-111, F-4, F-16 and T-38. I did a tour as a drill instructor at Lackland Air Force Base and I was in security forces from 2003 to retirement.”

Over the years Thomas served in various capacities as the Air Force needed him.

“I was a reservist, but I was on active duty orders,” he explains, “so I served both the reserves and the active duty as a CATM, [or] weapons instructor.”

CATM, or combat arms training and maintenance, is a component of security forces. It is tasked with training airmen on a wide range of small arms weaponry and maintaining the integrity of the unit or base arsenal.

Thomas’ long military career made for many memories.

But one experience that stands above the rest was being deployed to the Middle East, at age 52, and embedding with the Army.

“This one’s coming home”

The Air Force veteran now enjoys retirement with Jocelyn, his wife of 53 years. He likes to spend time in his shop where he does woodworking, restores bicycles, and other projects. And of course there is always yard work to be done.

For nearly a quarter of their marriage Thomas and Jocelyn had a wonderful dog, Harper. The dog’s eventual passing hit Thomas hard.

“I lost my first dog Harper who was an absolute great pet, emotional sidekick,” he shares. “We had him for 13 years.”

Despite or perhaps because of his grief, Thomas was in no hurry to adopt again. But a friend told him about Pets for Patriots and our companion pet adoption program. He figured that he would apply and adopt when he was ready.

It was early January 2026 when Thomas was approved into our program. He decided to print out his approval email and deliver it to Wilson County Animal Services, our local shelter partner. Little did he know—or expect—that he would become the first adoption through this partnership.

Wilson County Animal Services waives adoption fees for our members who adopt eligible dogs and cats. The adopter pays only a small rabies vaccination fee.

“I did not intend to adopt right away,” Thomas recalls of his visit to the shelter. “They asked us to look at one dog. They brought Benji—he was named Boss there—out and he put his paws on my wife’s legs and gave her a kiss. She said, ‘This one’s coming home with us.’ So here we are.”

Like a boss

Thomas decided to celebrate Boss’ new life with a new name: Benji. He marvels at the support and attention he received from both the shelter and our staff.

“Wilson Animal Services did an amazing job with the adoption process. They had the sheriff actually walk the dog out to us, and they had the media there to record the event,” Thomas recalls.

“They said we were the first to adopt through the Pets for Patriots program and they were honored to do so. Big shout out to those folks.”

Thomas’ and Benji’s adoption was even featured in the local news.

But it was not being a hometown story that mattered most to Thomas. It was the knowledge that he was not alone in his adoption journey. He was welcomed warmly at the shelter, and our team was in touch every step of the way.

“Well, the first thing that impressed us was the level of support and assistance in adopting a pet.”

Our team reaches out to approved applicants before, during, and for a full year after their adoptions. It is that personal touch that lets veterans know we are here for them, and that nurtures adoptions that endure.

“We are thrilled to be part of Pets for Patriots and I am already sharing the great things you do for veterans,” Thomas says. “Commit to this organization. They are top notch and they actually care about vets and pets.”

Lizards, birds, and squirrels—oh, my

At the time of his adoption Benji was two years old yet had already lived a lifetime. He was twice adopted—and twice returned—when Thomas and Jocelyn met him at the shelter. The Air Force veteran suspects that Benji’s spirited nature was too much for his previous adopters to handle.

For Thomas, Benji’s energy is a welcome feature, not a flaw.

“He is an extremely loving animal. He was adopted twice prior to us and returned to the shelter both times,” he says. “We realize that it was probably because of his level of energy, but even though we’re in our seventies, he keeps us young and we can keep up with him.”

In between Benji’s bouts of exuberance is a genuine love for the people who saved him.

Not many shelter animals get a third chance at a second chance at life. And what a life Benji now enjoys. A sidekick to Thomas when he goes about his errands. A chaser of critters he finds in the yard. An evening snuggling companion.

“Benji has given us so much joy since he came home with us,” Thomas says. “He is energetic, and always comes out to the shop with me and stays around there until I finish. Of course he chases lizards, birds, squirrels, and anything else that moves.”

“…in love with this dog”

There are quieter moments, too. Leisurely strolls in the neighborhood. Couch cuddles in the evening. A slumbering companion.

“[He] sleeps with me every night, we do our daily walks—rain or shine—and whenever I’m sitting on the couch, he comes right up and actually climbs on my lap and kisses me. He does the same to my wife.”

It is said that the third time is the charm. No doubt this is the case for this twice adopted and twice returned dog.

No one will ever really know why in the span of two years Benji was surrendered as many times, but perhaps that does not really matter.

It took one couple to accept Benji for who he is just as he does in return. That is the wonderful thing about companion dogs and cats. They do not judge. They open their hearts to us hoping that we will make room in ours for them.

Benji led with love and affection. His generosity of spirit has been rewarded.

“Benji is a great addition to our family,” Thomas says. “My wife and I are in love with this dog.”