Sariah discovered that military life can be lonely, even unexpectedly isolating. So the young sailor decided to buoy her spirits by adopting a companion dog.

Born to serve

A strong military heritage inspired Sariah to enlist in the military. It is in her DNA.

“I joined just to try it out, really,” she shares. “My whole family has been in, so I wanted to as well.”

In 2023 Sariah continued her family’s tradition when she enlisted in the Navy. She serves on the USS Cole stationed in Norfolk and already has dreams of a long naval career.

“I’m really enjoying my time in service and I plan on reenlisting,” she says.

So far the young sailor describes her current deployment as “just hilarious.” By contrast, however, her home life was starting to feel dark and lonely.

Pup with purpose

By any measure Sariah leads a full life. An active duty sailor serving what she hopes will be the first tour of many. In her downtime she enjoys reading and sewing and, more recently, relaxing with her new rescue dog.

The inspiration to adopt a companion pet grew out of a creeping sense of isolation Sariah felt when her ship was at sea. The change in her work schedule left her feeling adrift.

“My ship was on a deployment, and I started feeling really lonely and felt no purpose in life other than when I went to school,” she shares.

“I decided to get a dog to fill that loneliness and bring purpose back in my life.”

That dog would be Laura. She entered Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center a few days prior to Sariah applying to our program. The shelter offers our members half-priced adoption fees and has made more than 140 matches through our partnership.

Staff told Sariah about our companion pet adoption program for military veterans. The young sailor did not need any convincing to apply.

“They told me all about it and I was hooked from the start,” she says.

Laura’s ship had come in. Sariah renamed her Nova—which means new—a nod to giving both herself and her companion a fresh start in life.

The need to be needed

Sariah is thrilled that she chose to adopt a pet through our program. The many benefits we offer, including a full year of post-adoption follow up, help create adoptions that endure. Sariah shares her experiences with Pets for Patriots every chance she gets.

“I would definitely recommend this program and I do! Every time anyone talks about adopting I always [tell them] about this program,” she says. “Working with y’all was amazing.”

It is obvious how adopting a shelter dog or cat saves the lives of our nation’s most vulnerable animals. Adoption spares them a grim fate—death or chronic homelessness—and makes room in shelters for other animals to be saved.

But adoption saves people, too.

A rescue dog or cat brings structure, routine, and normalcy, not to mention unconditional love.

Caring for innocent animals speaks to our need to nurture, to be responsible to care for another being besides ourselves.

“…I feel happier now”

Sariah enjoys Nova’s quirky, spirited personality. The big dog’s antics simply brings her cheer.

“I love that she keeps me on my toes. She’s very active and fun to be around,” she says.

“She loves rolling around on towels. She loves the beach, but not the bath right after. She’s just an amazing dog.”

Since adopting Nova, Sariah no longer feels lonely. She is more joyful at home, which in turn helps sharpen her focus at work. Adoption has been a life-changing event.

“She’s definitely a great addition to my daily life,” the young sailor says. “She’s very cute and cuddly, and ever since I adopted her I feel happier now.”