Patriot interview: Michael and Kara

ClosedDeadline:

Story Details

Background:

Michael is an Army veteran who in April 2015 adopted a then three-and-half-year-old Kelpie mix through our partnership with Lee County Humane Society. Dog was renamed from Allegra to Kara; some additional information available in this post: https://www.petsforpatriots.org/two-veterans-two-dogs-two-miracle-companion-pet-adoptions/

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. Right now we have only one picture of Kara and only the adoption photo of the two together:
https://www.petsforpatriots.org/contact-us/

Contact information and email introduction will be provided to writer who claims this story.

Quotes:

Pet's Name
 Kara
A little about me
 I am attending graduate school and teaching part-time at Auburn University. I spend a majority of my time reading and preparing for classes.
My military experiences
 I was in the Army and stationed in Fort Lewis, WA. I worked in the Finance department, as the unit armorer, and, when possible, in the motor pool.
My most memorable experience from my time in service
 I suppose it's not so much a single experience, but a series of experiences caused by a great leader. I don't really know what to say about him, other than he truly cared for his soldiers and I took from him some really key lessons in life.
Why I chose to adopt a pet
 I already had a cat that I adopted about two years prior and felt that she and I both could use a companion.
Why I chose to adopt through Pets for Patriots
 Pets for Patriots is a really great program that took a lot of stress out of pet adoption. My adoption fee was waived, my first visit to the veterinarian was more manageable, and I just now used up the gift card for supplies and food (months later).
How my honorably adopted pet has changed my life
 My mood has really evened out. It's also nice coming home to a pet who is just happy to see you.
What I love most about my new pet friend
 She plays when I want to play and she rests when I need to rest (it works the other way around, as well). She's a sweetheart.
What I would tell other veterans or service members who might be thinking about adopting through Pets for Patriots
 I'd say go for it. You'll be adopting a pet in need and the program really helps with start-up costs. It's a positive benefit both ways.