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
      • Hotel to 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 › Vietnam veteran gives blind dog the gift of sight: another dog

Vietnam veteran gives blind dog the gift of sight: another dog

April 9, 2013Dog tales

Lady Gaga Sam Kenneth and Roxy on couch

Most of us know about guide dogs for blind people, but one Vietnam veteran adopted a companion pet to give the gift of sight to his blind dog.

Funny-looking dog with a serious purpose

Kenneth is a Vietnam War combat veteran who feels that he was selfish when he adopted a shelter dog named Sam I Am, a Jack Russell terrier mix “with a Mohawk.” In truth, Kenneth was the very opposite of selfish: he rescued Sam to help his partially blind Golden Retriever-Akita mix, Roxy, navigate her life.

(Left to right): Lady Gaga, Sam, Kenneth & Roxy

When Roxy’s two other canine companions died, Kenneth knew she needed another helper and friend. Sam is now Roxy’s guide dog and their bond is unbreakable.

Every morning Sam greets Roxy with a kiss and guides her down the front steps to do “her business,” and rejoins her when she’s done to guide her back up the stairs. But Sam is more than a guide; he’s a friend as well. The little dog helps alleviate Roxy’s separation anxiety when Kenneth and his wife are away from home.

Vietnam and the top secret intercept

Kenneth was a Vietnamese linguist during the Vietnam War. He studied Latin, French and Spanish in high school – Russian in college –  and, not surprisingly, received a high score on a language test given by the military. He was set to be a Russian linguist, but his orders got red-lined when President Johnson escalated the Vietnam War.

During his tour of duty in the Air Force Kenneth went on three secret combat and service missions, flying over North Vietnamese territory over the Gulf of Tonkin, listening to Vietnamese radio communications.

While monitoring intercepts from Taiwan’s Shu Lin Kou Air Station, Kenneth overheard a Viet Cong platoon near the South Vietnam-Laotian border. He learned that a Forward Air Control pilot was shot down over Laos and captured. In the communication the enemy gave the pilot’s name, serial number and health condition, and indicated they were taking him to the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” POW camp.

Within twenty minutes of receiving the message, Kenneth’s commander issued a gag order on the intel to keep their covert mission intact.

In September of 1972, the captured soldier was one of many POWs released by Hanoi, bringing Kenneth a sense of closure because this man’s family would have him home safe and sound. Kenneth was told that he was the only linguist in the world that intercepted that message; if he hadn’t picked it up and recorded it, the soldier would have likely remained missing in action.

A year later, Kenneth reenlisted to become an air traffic control radar repairman and, following that tour, the Air Force veteran became an accountant. He now lives in Florida with his wife and beloved pets, including Sam I Am.

A love without equal

Sam I Am got his unusual name because he looks like dogs in Dr. Seuss’ books, How The Grinch Stole Christmas and Green Eggs and Ham. Kenneth and his wife adopted him through Lake City Humane Society, their local Pets for Patriots adoption partner. Kenneth says that the folks at the humane society are wonderful, helpful people.

“All of their shelter animals look healthy and well-cared for,” he observes.

The Vietnam veteran is equally enthusiastic about Pets for Patriots, which he joined in July 2012. Lady Gaga Sam Kenneth and Roxy on couch

“It’s a great organization,” he says. “Everyone knows there are a multitude of animals in shelters; most are getting euthanized because shelters are so overcrowded. Helping a veteran adopt a pet gives the animal a home. It’s not in a cage and it’s not put to sleep.”

Kenneth believes the charity helps on a more emotional level as well.

“Give a veteran something to love that will love them back without any questions asked.”

Pets for Patriots is a nationwide charity that delivers the healing power of companion pets to service and veteran members of the United States military. To help these bonds endure, the organization provides a range of financial support and incentives for military personnel who save the most overlooked, at-risk dogs and cats. As a four year-old dog at the time of his honorable adoption, Sam I Am meets one of the charity’s criteria for a hard-to-adopt pet.

A pet in every home, and a home for every pet

Kenneth believes that Pets for Patriots should be part of soldiers’ exit interview when they separate from service.

“They should be told right away,” he proclaims. “There are so many things veterans aren’t told about and must find out themselves. Tell ’em!”

Kenneth and his family love Sam I Am “to pieces.” The little dog not only bonded with Roxy, but with Kenneth’s granddaughter, an only child who calls Sam her “little brother.” Sam has even wiggled his way into the heart of their Calico cat, Lilly, and these days the pair love to snuggle together.

Kenneth knows the therapeutic effects of a companion pet, both for himself and for his blind dog, Roxy, and thinks more people – particularly veterans – should be open to experiencing the special joys of pet adoption.

“Everyone should have a pet to fill a void in their lives. Dogs and cats so full of love.”

How is your pet your family’s helper?

PreviousNext

6 comments

  1. Pingback: designspiration.net
  2. Pingback: zendesk.com
  3. Pingback: Home United Kingdom on Wikipedia
  4. Pingback: external change exceeds
  5. pure garcinia cambogia side effects says:
    May 14, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    Hola! I’ve been following your weblog for a while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Humble Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the good job!

  6. cast of ncis says:
    May 14, 2013 at 6:08 am

    Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking a few minutes and

    actual effort to make a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot

    and don’t seem to get anything done.

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

Elizabeth is a Navy veteran and widow who needed r Elizabeth is a Navy veteran and widow who needed relief from depression. It would be a rescue dog in need of healing, as well, who came to her aid.

Click the link in our bio to read their tale and how this Navy corpsman and sweet Pittie are healing each other!

#pitbull #pitbulllove #pibble #pibblelove #dontbullymybully #dontbullymybreed #loverescuedme #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #depressionhelp #depressionawareness #navyveteran #navycorpsman #femaleveteran #youarenotalone
Pupdate from Pinini!! Almost 2 years ago this now Pupdate from Pinini!!

Almost 2 years ago this now 5 year-old precious pibble hit the adoption jackpot. James was honorably separated from the Army and in need of a 4-legged battle buddy.

Mission accomplished! Thanks to the Fulton County campus of @lifelineanimal Pinini's adoption fee was waived - leaving more coin for James to spoil his BFF. This dynamic duo are now livin' large in the great state of Texas.

Are you a current or former member of the U.S. military interested in adopting your own pet pal? Click the link in our bio to learn more and apply!

#dontbullymybreed #dontbullymybully #pibble #pibblesofinstagram #pitbulls #pitbullsofinstagram #pitbulllove #blackdogsofinstagram #blackdogsrule #adoptdontshop #armyveteran #armystrong #bffgoals #battlebuddies #atlantapets
Who's going to win this epic battle? Vote!! Who's going to win this epic battle? Vote!!
**Application window for Hairy's adoption closes t **Application window for Hairy's adoption closes today May 31!!**

This amazing Dog In Residence at @bobbyhotel is ready to check out of the hotel forever and into a loving home with a veteran living within 40-driving miles of our partners @NashvilleHumane! 

Click the link in our bio to apply. Hurry; Hairy's waiting!

Gratitude to @todayinnashville for sharing Hairy's need. 🥰

#adoptdontshop #nashville #nashvilletn #teamrwb #petsforvets #dogtraining #traineddog #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #nashvillehumaneassociation #petsforpatriots #bobbyhotel
Thank you for your service, Keisha, and for being Thank you for your service, Keisha, and for being a hero to a pet in need!

Keisha serves in the Army National Guard and just added two year-old Toby to her pack. Thanks to our partners @bmorehumane Toby's adoption fee was waived, and this big pup's 'welcome home' gift card and year of post-adoption follow up are generously sponsored by a grant we received from @veteransunitedfoundation ...woot!!

#army #armystrong #armynationalguard #nationalguard #femaleveteran #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #hounds #houndsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #petsforvets #baltimore
On Memorial Day we reflect upon the men and women On Memorial Day we reflect upon the men and women who died while serving in the United States armed forces - and give gratitude and comfort to our Gold Star families whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

The holiday is not about the sales, the barbecues, the day off from work. But that our lives as we know them were made possible in large part by brave souls who died in service, please pause from whatever you are doing today to remember that freedom is not free - and while all veterans give some, some have given all.

#memorialday #memorialday2023 #honorthefallen #honorvets #freedom #freedomisntfree #freedomisnotfree #army #navy #marines #airforce #coastguard #goldstarfamilies #ultimatesacrifice #somegaveall
**THIS** is what rescued looks like/sounds like: **THIS** is what rescued looks like/sounds like:

"She has been such a joy to me. She loves me and I love her. Thank you assisting me with giving her a forever home." ~ Lisa, Army veteran, on her one-year adoption anniversary to Nala.

The now 8 year-old cat was in the care of our partners @phillypaws which waives adoption fees for veterans in our program. Please consider older pets when you adopt; they have so much joy to give!

#adoptaseniorcat #adoptaseniorpet #cats_of_instagram #catsofinstagram #catsofig #rescuecatsofinstagram #rescuecat #armyveteran #femaleveteran #armystrong #philadelphia
Pets for Patriots alums Chadwick (black dog) and 1 Pets for Patriots alums Chadwick (black dog) and 12 year-old Bowser (brown dog) on a little @petsmart shopping spree!

Bowser was adopted in 2012 and is now battling terminal cancer. His mom and dad tell us that his diagnosis doesn't stop Bowser from enjoying life to the fullest, whether that's shopping with brother Chadwick, visiting the beach, or ending the day with a nice puppacino!

#caninecancer #adoptdontshop #seniorpets #seniorpetsofig #seniordogsofinstagram #twoisbetterthanone #shoppingspree #sandiego #dogsonthebeach
Zinger's ship just came in when Sonia, active duty Zinger's ship just came in when Sonia, active duty Navy, saw this precious 2 year-old pupper and said, "Let's sail away."

Another great adoption through our partners @chesapeakehumane - and made possible thanks to a generous grant from our friends at @veteransunitedfoundation ...anchors aweigh! ⚓

#cutedogsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterpet #adoptashelterdog #navyveteran #femaleveteran #navy #navylife #chesapeakeva #muttsrule #muttsofinstagram
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.