Jennifer searched for inner peace after being abused as a child. The Marine Corps veteran found it with a rescue dog who had been a victim of cruelty as well.

No safe harbor

Jennifer lives in a small town in the heart of Illinois, a bedroom community of a bustling metropolis. The relative quiet she now enjoys is in stark contrast to the violence she endured growing up.

It was that abuse that led Jennifer to enlist in the military when she came of age.

“I joined the Marine Corps mainly to learn to defend myself,” she shares. “I was abused throughout my childhood and I figured no one would mess with a Marine.”

During her tour of duty Jennifer served as an avionics specialist for helicopters, specifically Cobras and Hueys. However, the sense of optimism she felt upon enlistment was shattered by a shocking experience.

“I remember the night I learned what MST stood for and how crushed I was,” she says.

“I remember thinking that if I couldn’t trust Marines, I couldn’t trust anyone.”

Military sexual trauma, or MST, includes sexual assault and harassment.

It is estimated that one in three women and one in 50 men seeking care through the Veterans Administration report having experienced MST during their enlistment.

Jennifer’s experience vanquished what little sense of peace she found after escaping her abusive past.

“…lucky to have found him”

Decades later, Jennifer still struggles with the emotional scars of her youth and MST. She never experienced the sense of security in one’s own person that so many take for granted. The sustained anguish prompted Jennifer to make what would be a life-altering decision: she would adopt a dog.

It was early summer 2025 when Jennifer was approved into our companion pet adoption program for military veterans. She visited Humane Society of Scott County, which since 2022 has waived fees for our members adopting eligible dogs and cats.

At the shelter the Marine Corps veteran met Gerald the 13th. The bully mix was thought to be about five years old and was a sight for sore eyes.

“According to the shelter staff, Gerald was found wandering the streets and was in pretty bad shape,” she says. “He’s recovering from mange and shows signs of significant abuse. Not to mention, he’s extremely underweight.”

Perhaps it was Gerald’s sad, droopy eyes or gentle nature that attracted Jennifer to him. Or maybe it was the unspoken understanding of two souls who experienced the worst of human behavior.

Jennifer did not dwell on Gerald’s likely past or his unsightly scars and lesions. Where most adopters would pass by a large, middle-aged dog—no less with visible medical issues—Jennifer felt grateful for the opportunity to save him.

“I just consider myself very lucky to have found him.”

Gentle Gerald

Once home, Jennifer set about helping her new four-legged charge heal.

The most immediate concerns were Gerald’s skin—pockmarked with lesions and scars—as well as an ear infection and early lameness in his hind legs.

And although Gerald was underweight in the shelter due to kennel stress, he soon filled out to a robust 78 pounds.

“Thoroughly a chonky boi,” Jennifer says.

But the rescue dog’s recovery was just getting started. Jennifer decided that he needed some clothes to mark his new life as a beloved family member.

“I ordered him a newsboy cap, bow tie, and plaid vest,” she says, “because every distinguished gentleman should have a nice outfit.”  

With each passing day Jennifer and Gerald forged an unbreakable bond. Their mutual need for love, acceptance, and a sense of security draws them closer as time marches on.

The bond Jennifer and Gerald share is a powerful testament to our mission to help people save pets and pets save people.

“I’d like to thank you all for assisting me in getting Gerald,” she says. “He’s a big, lovable, smart guy who just wants to cuddle. He’s just perfect! You are truly an amazing organization and I’m so grateful for your help.”

Who rescued whom?

Many pets arrive at shelters just like Gerald. Victims of abuse, neglect, and abandonment, carrying the burden of physical and emotional scars. Jennifer advises anyone considering pet adoption to be understanding—and patient.

“These pets have been through a lot, too,” she counsels. “Together you can both work through it.”

The Marine Corps veteran and her chunky charge are proof that healing happens at both ends of the leash. And it is often the little, even silly things that make our four-legged family so endearing.

Like the way Gerald loves children, and insists on going outside to watch neighborhood kids get off the school bus. Or in more private moments shared at home.

“Let me tell you about Gerald,” Jennifer says. “He farts, snores, hates baths, sometimes smells like a junkyard dog, and would protect me with his life. I have finally found peaceful sleep with him here. While I sleep, he guards the perimeter. If I have a nightmare, he nuzzles me awake.”

There is a familiar expression in the rescue community—”who rescued whom?”—because adoption can be a healing journey for both people and pets.

“I’m a happier person”

Jennifer enlisted in the Marines to escape her abusive childhood. Decades later she was still haunted by memories too painful to share.

Gerald was found on the streets, discarded like yesterday’s trash, riddled with mange and ear infections.

Yet piece by piece, these two once broken souls are putting their painful pasts behind them.

Both are survivors. They are forging a new future together, one that is more hopeful, more healthy, and more happy.

Finally, both have found peace.

“I sleep soundly. That hasn’t happened since I was a teenager. There’s an improvement in my anxiety level and depression,” Jennifer shares. “I’m a happier person.”