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. |