When the demands of military life left him unmoored, a Navy sailor found a canine anchor to steady his ship.

True blue Navy

Life in the Navy is an intricate dance of duty and dedication. Few stories capture this balance like that of Kevin, an active duty sailor stationed in Maryland.

With 17 years of service under his belt – and counting – Kevin enlisted in the Navy to provide for his family. He traveled the globe and experienced a variety of landscapes and cultures.

Among Kevin’s many voyages one moment stands out as unforgettable.

“My most memorable experience is being able to sail through the Strait of Magellan.”

Outside of his military obligations Kevin is a man of many talents. He likes to hike and fish, and enjoys wood- and leather-working. Recently he has taken up gardening.

Kevin has navigated the ebbs and flows of military life with unwavering commitment. Yet it was during a low point in his life that a rescue dog became his tried and true anchor.

A need for companionship

Military life is unique. It includes frequent relocations, deployments, and months – even years – away from family and friends.

As a result, almost five percent of military families will face divorce. In comparison the divorce rate for the general population is almost half.

After experiencing a divorce and a permanent change of station, or PCS, Kevin found himself living alone for the first time as a geo-bachelor.

The term refers to a service member’s geographic separation from family.

Feelings of isolation and loneliness are common. Adopting a pet can bring much-needed companionship.

It would be a member of Kevin’s own family who urged him to consider adoptioin.

“When my daughter came to visit me, she told me that I needed to get a dog,” he shares, “so I wasn’t alone all of the time.”

Discovering Pets for Patriots

Kevin first learned of Pets for Patriots from a trusted source.

“I had heard about the program from a fellow service member back in Texas,” he recalls. “I really appreciated the effort your organization made to connect service members with four-legged friends.”

Our work unleashing hope for veterans and shelter animals made Kevin’s decision to adopt an easy one. He started the search for a pet to anchor his life outside of work.

It was only a day after being approved into our program that the sailor visited Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control. The municipal shelter waives adoption fees for our veterans who rescue eligible dogs and cats. As of this writing we have made 75 adoptions together.

While there Kevin met the dog who would become his new first mate.

At the time Killick was three years old. He has soulful, chestnut brown eyes and a striking tricolored coat.

Kevin was smitten, and the pair left the shelter to start a new voyage – together.

LOL

To Kevin, Killick is more than a pet; he is a beacon of happiness and renewal.

Divorce and geo-bachelorhood left the Navy veteran feeling unmoored. But Killick’s endearing personality reignited a sense of humor, even levity, in Kevin’s life.

“Killick is goofy and every day does something that makes me laugh,” he says.

“I laugh out loud a lot more now when I’m home.”

The duo have been exploring the Mid-Atlantic region, discovering new places to visit. The beach has become one of their favorite destinations.

“Get a new friend”

For his part, Killick seems to understand the special role he plays in Kevin’s world. He is not only a traveling buddy; he is an emotional anchor to quell any turbulence in Kevin’s personal life.

And it only helps that the rescue dog loves to snuggle. A lot.

“He’s a big time cuddler,” Kevin says, “and has a great coat of fur.”

Kevin encourages other veterans to find their own canine or feline companions through Pets for Patriots.

“Get a new friend,” Kevin says. “They’ll bring levity into your life.”

The bond between Kevin and Killick highlights the incredible impact pets can have on a person’s life.

Kevin needs Killick’s playfulness and affection to anchor him during turbulent times. And in return, he gives Killick love, loyalty, and ample adventures.

The Navy sailor sums it up neatly.

“I’m glad he’s in my life.”