Patriot interview: Gary and Marley

Background:

Gary is a Vietnam veteran who served in the Army. In January 2014, he honorably adopted Marley, a then three year-old Chihuahua mix. 

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:

Quotes from post adoption calls available for use:

"Marley always wants to kiss you. HE gets up on your lap and wants to hug and kiss you."

Describing when he saw Marley at the shelter: "My eyes met with his and I just melted. Marley jumped right on my lap and kissed me, and then my wife. For some reason or other he didn't want to leave me, I don't know why. And I said, 'That's the dog I want.'"

Brought their other two dogs, Sandy and Precious, to meet Marley at the shelter. He started playing with the dogs "as if he had been around them for a long time." Adding, "That's what cemented the whole dog. I said 'We ain't leaving here without him.'"

Mentioned that having Marley to play with has helped Precious' arthritis "100%"