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Patriot interview: Joseph and Delilah

ClosedDeadline:

Story Details

Background:

Please use story provided by veteran, below, to ask follow up questions, get more detail. Please do NOT ask veteran for photos of himself w/pet; we have agreed to post photos of pet only and veteran is sending them to us. Joseph is a retired Navy veteran who in June 2015 adopted Delilah, an 11 year-old Doxie mix, through our partnership with Virginia Beach SPCA.   Interview should cover:
  • Brief background of military experience: when/why entered the military, any memorable moments/events
  • Prior experience having a pet; why member decided to adopt a pet at this time
  • Why member decided to adopt through Pets for Patriots
  • Why member chose his/her pet in particular
  • How the pet has helped him/her
  • Member's experience with Pets for Patriots
  • What s/he would say to another veteran who is considering adopting a companion pet
  • If s/he is using our local veterinary partner: anything to add about experiences with them
  • Anything else that naturally arises through the course of the interview
Please remind the member to send pictures of himself/herself and the pet; the story cannot be published without them: https://www.petsforpatriots.org/contact-us/ Contact information and email introduction will be provided to writer who claims this story.

Quotes:

Pet's Name
Delilah
A little about me
I've retired in Virginia Beach after 45 years of government service, including retirement from the Navy after 22 years and retired from Department of Defense as a police officer after 23 years. I'm enjoying retirement with my family and our companion Delilah.
My military experiences
I was in the Navy from 1963 to 1985 and retired as Senior Chief Boatsmate
Why I chose to adopt through Pets for Patriots
For protection and companionship
How my honorably adopted pet has changed my life
Physically, mentally, and emotionally she has changed our lives. She makes us laugh and provides us plenty of exercise when we walk her every day.
What I love most about my new pet friend
Delilah is a smart, obedient, funny, and very active companion.
What I would tell other veterans or service members who might be thinking about adopting through Pets for Patriots
It may be a challenging experience, but it is also very rewarding.