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Patriot story: Jonathan and Tessa

ClosedDeadline: 07/13/2015

Story Details

Background:

Jonathan is an Army veteran who in March 2015 adopted Tessa, a then eight year-old tortoise cat, through our partnership with Humane Society of Tampa Bay. We have ample pictures; no others are required.

  • Assignment goal is to synthesize the information provided by the member patriot into a compelling story
  • It is not necessary to tell the veteran's story in the order that s/he provided the information unless that is the best way to tell the story
  • It is not necessary to use all the quotes provided
  • You may make minor adjustments to the quotes only to correct for grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.
  • Punctuation always resides inside the quote marks, e.g., "like this," and not "like this",
  • Close the story with a compelling call to action or question based upon the story's narrative and place in italics at the end, e.g., What are you more willing and able to do now that you have a pet in your life?

Quotes:

Pet's Name
 Tessa
A little about me
 I live in Tampa, Florida and work for a healthcare company that handles the business side of hospitals' revenue cycle. My favorite things to do are make meals in my slow cooker, watch hockey, and read comics.
My military experiences
 I decided to join the Army Reserves back in February 2005 in order to get trained as an x-ray technologist (I am still licensed). My Basic Training was at Ft. Knox, KY followed by the first half of AIT at Ft. Sam Houston, TX then Ft. Stewart, GA. I finished my last leg of service here in Tampa Bay before I was Honorably discharged in late 2007 due to a leg injury that started back in AIT.
My most memorable experience from my time in service
 Other than my injury, my favorite memorable experience from my time in service was receiving the General Abrams in Basic Training. To achieve this award I had to be selected by my platoon to represent them in a board with three other soldiers from the company who represented their platoons. Because I was selected for the award, I received an Army Achievement Medal and read a speech during the graduation. I kept it a secret from my family in order to surprise them when they arrived for the ceremony.
Why I chose to adopt a pet
 I chose to adopt Tessa after reading her summary on the Humane Society of Tampa's website. It stated she was brought to the shelter after her previous owners could no longer care for her. She is an older cat which may not be desirable for some adopters. In addition, my cat Ziggy who was 12-years-old passed away in a month before so taking on an older cat would require less training than a kitten.
Why I chose to adopt through Pets for Patriots
 I chose Pets for Patriots after seeing a link posted on he Humane Society of Tampa's website and reading about the organization's mission. Additionally, after Ziggy passed and I donated some of his things to the shelter, I felt a sense of pride being able to share a part of him with others, knowing that the toys, supplies, food, etc., would go to good use. I was hooked on that positive feeling so I took it a step further and adopted Tessa. What better way to honor Ziggy's life than to provide a home for another cat.
How my honorably adopted pet has changed my life
 I miss Ziggy every day. He was with me since he was a kitten and until he passed in my arms. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. Tessa helps me continue to share that love. Because of her I wake up in the morning with a positive attitude. She needs me and I need her. I know Ziggy wouldn't want me to be alone.
What I love most about my new pet friend
 From the first time I saw Tessa's profile online I felt a connection. Before I adopted her I went to the shelter to visit some of the cats there. Tessa was the first one I saw and although I met others, I knew she was the one. When I brought her home a few weeks later she picked a toy from the group that I placed out for her. It was the last toy I had bought for Ziggy. She loves it! That first night, she hopped up on the bed and laid next to me the entire night, just like Ziggy would. It was meant to be.
What I would tell other veterans or service members who might be thinking about adopting through Pets for Patriots
 I would tell other vets/service members that adopting through Pets for Patriots has been a wonderful experience. It was very easy, quick, and I felt so good adopting this way. I tell everyone about Pets for Patriots!