After losing two dogs to cancer, Gary was sinking into depression. Rescuing an abused dog is proving to be healing at both ends of the leash.

Wings of Gold

In 1979 Gary enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Brunswick, Maine. He trained as an airframe mechanic on P3 aircraft before going to Pensacola, where he was selected for naval aircrew school. Candidates train on a wide range of demanding skills, including water rescue and survival.

A few years later Gary was assigned to Naval Station Norfolk, where he trained on the H-46 Sea Knight helicopter as a naval rescue crew chief.

“Got my Wings of Gold,” he says, in reference to the coveted gold insignia awarded to service members who complete naval flight training.

During Gary’s long Navy career he served on six tours to the Mediterranean, during which time he earned 5,000 flight hours. Of his many memorable experiences, Gary recalls vividly flying over two historical geological sites.

“Flying over Pompeii,” he says, “then flew over Mount Etna—[an] active volcano!”

Finally in 1999, after 20 years of service, Gary retired and started the long transition to civilian life.

“…a buddy to feel alive again”

Gary settled in Virginia Beach with his wife, Roseann, and their daughter and grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys outdoor pursuits.

“Love RV camping at Virginia state parks,” he says. “Hobbies are kayaking, bow hunting, fishing, and arrow hunting in the streams.”

By all accounts Gary lives a fulfilling life. But the loss of two beloved family dogs in quick succession sunk the Navy veteran into depression.

“I lost two of my two dogs in the last year to cancer,” he says. “I was lost. Depression. Dark days. No one to talk to with no judgement.”

The disabled Navy veteran and his family have always opened their hearts to dogs. So Gary decided that adoption was the only option to help wash away the blues.

“I need a buddy to feel alive again.”

From foster to forever

In early October 2025 Gary visited Virginia Beach SPCA. The organization is among our long-term partners, having joined our free, turnkey shelter program in 2012. Since that time we have made more than 650 adoptions together.

Virginia Beach SPCA offers our members 25 percent off adoption fees and access to their low-cost veterinary clinic.

While there Gary felt drawn to a young, large mixed-breed named Augusto, and opted to use the shelter’s seven-day foster program to see if they were a good fit.

Shelter staff told Gary about our companion pet adoption program. He was eager to be approved before the foster period was over and reached out to our team after submitting his application.

“I am fostering a year-old pup with severe anxiety and PTSD,” he says. “We are a perfect match [and] I will have him til the weekend.”

Fortunately Gary had his separation documents handy and was approved quickly. The very next day he went to the shelter to convert the foster contract into forever—an adoption.

The Navy veteran encourages others to find their own battle buddy through our nationwide nonprofit.

“I would tell them about the program and benefits,” he says, “and working with Pets for Patriots is enjoyable and simple. Answering all questions you have.”

Upon adoption Augusto got a new life and a new name—Larry.

“…depression fades away”

Gary wasted no time integrating Larry into his active outdoor life.

“Larry has been the perfect partner for squirrel hunting,” he says.

The pair take two long, daily walks, and Gary is planning a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He admires Larry’s intelligence, and instincts to guard his new home and family. All while trying to overcome a very rough start in life.

“This boy has had four bad owners, a very rough year he’s gone through,” he shares.

“And I’m old school and never give up on G-d’s beautiful creatures.”

Many would-be adopters would shrink from the challenge of an anxious, abused dog. Just like with people, some invisible wounds never truly heal.

It takes a special person to respect a traumatized animal’s past, and give the time, patience, and love needed to heal.

As part of his recovery, Larry is discovering some of the joys of being a dog.

“[He] loves brown paper bags and cardboard boxes. Just like a puppy, he just needs boundaries,” Gary says, adding that Larry is learning boundaries, like when the family is eating in the kitchen.

But Larry is not the only one who is healing through adoption. Recovery happens at both ends of the leash.

“Larry has me off the couch [be]cause he fetches his leash to me!” Gary shares. “Fresh sunshine, three miles twice a day, [and] depression fades away.”