Pete is a rescue dog with an unsettling past. When he came into one Marine veteran’s life it started a new and promising chapter for them both.

Oorah

In 2019, Tayler enlisted in the Marines. Inspired by the motto ‘Semper Fidelis‘ – meaning ‘always faithful’ – Tayler sought to make an impact.

“I wanted to be a better version of myself,” he shares. “At the same time I could offer my skills where they were needed most.”

Tayler served as a radio operator with the 1st Battalion 5th Marines as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. His job was to ensure the reliability and integrity of radio communications. The 31st must be ready to respond at a moment’s notice to crises anywhere in the world.

Tayler has fond recollections of a noncombat deployment to Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji. While there, he worked with with a Japanese defense force and aboard the USS America as well.

“It was a great time,” he recalls.

“I worked with a great group of guys and gals who made the job fun.”

Tayler made many memories during his deployment. One stands above the rest with a day that started at 0530.

Tayler and his team were working on communications systems. At the end of a long day they accomplished their goal of a ‘meshed network.’ This allows each node in a radio network to communicate with each and all the others.

“A lot of good came out that day.”

The importance of reliable, anytime, anywhere communications cannot be underestimated. It can be the difference between life and death for service members serving in harm’s way.

“…a very sweet boy”

In 2023 Tayler transitioned to the inactive reserve to focus on his family and his health. He moved to Rochester, New York, and started a new job as a solutions architect.

In this role Tayler is an expert on implementing hardware and software solutions. He serves first responders and various organizations within the Department of Defense.

The Marine Corps veteran’s job requires frequent travel. It leaves his wife, Taylor, often alone at home.

So the couple decided to adopt a companion dog to keep Taylor company while Tayler was away.

The duo went online to Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester. Since 2011 the shelter partners with Pets for Patriots and offers our veterans half-priced pet adoptions.

Tayler learned about our pet adoption program for veterans through the shelter’s website. It was there that he and his wife first saw Pardon Me Pete. At the time he was a three year-old, tricolor hound mix with an unsettling past.

The big dog made a big impression. But first the couple had to know if Pete would trigger Taylor’s allergies. An in-person meeting laid those concerns to rest.

“Plus Pete was loving and cuddly, and warmed up to her fairly quickly,” Tayler shares. “And he was a very sweet boy on our first interaction with him.”

An unsettling past

Pardon Me Pete – or Pete, for short – had recently entered the shelter after a police investigation. There are no details about what prompted his law enforcement rescue.

Physical scars marked his unsettling past. Yet his warm and gentle nature won over Tayler and his wife.

The pair knew they had found their new family member. And so one month to the day after we approved Tyler into our program, he and Taylor welcomed Pete home.

“…our first baby”

For some young couples an adopted pet is their first experience as caretakers. Dogs and cats are like children in many ways. They are innocents who depend upon people for shelter, food, medical care, and love.

Tayler and Taylor adapted to their new roles as pet parents. And Pete gave them a new focus – caring for another life wholly dependent upon them.

“He has helped us mature more, to have a responsibility to look after,” Tayler says. “We don’t have any children, so he’s our first baby.”

Despite Pete’s mysterious and unsettling past, he adjusted well. It is as though he knew he was finally home for good.

Adopting Pete has had a big impact on Tayler and his wife.

The Marine Corps veteran loves the happiness Pete brings to their lives. He marvels at how well he fits into their lifestyle.

“My wife and I are moderately active, and Pete has a high drive, so if I want to go for a walk with him, he keeps up with me at a solid pace,” Tayler says.

“Then, if we want to relax, he gives off a very calm presence and relaxes too. He likes to play, and we can fulfill his needs without changing our lives.”

It seems that Pete is up for any adventure, as long as it includes his new people.

Pete the communicator

It can be difficult to know how to integrate into one’s home a pet with an unsettling history. If only they could speak.

But Tayler soon discovered that Pete has his own way of communicating. His face and body language tell a tale.

“He has a lot of expressions. You can see when he’s worried, happy, anxious,” Tayler explains. “So, it’s really easy to understand how he’s feeling in the moment.”

The Marine veteran is learning how to read Pete’s many moods. And in the process he is discovering how to reduce the big dog’s stressful moments. Tayler finds this two-way communication meaningful for him as well.

“It helps me out a lot too, because if I see he’s feeling anxious, I’ll play with him,” he says, “and encourage him to play with his toys to alleviate that feeling.”

Adopt, never shop

For Tayler, adopting Pete has been life-changing. He appreciates how we make it easy for veterans to find their perfect companions. And our many benefits reduce the lifetime costs associated with having a pet.

The Marine veteran urges other people to consider adoption. He encourages fellow veterans to adopt through our nationwide program.

“There are so many pets that need to be adopted, and Pets for Patriots can help you find a new best friend,” he says. “In comparison, pet stores sell dogs for far too much money while there are so many shelters with pets in need of a home.”

An estimated six million animals enter shelters each year; nearly one million are killed.

Yet only two-thirds of dogs and cats nationwide are adopted from shelters. The rest are acquired through breeders, pet stores, or other means.

Tayler believes that more people should adopt from their local animal shelters.

“There are so many animals in need, and you can get a very cool best friend out of it,” he says. “Even if you live alone or have family, there are tons of pets in shelters that could fit your lifestyle.”

Each wag of Pete’s tail and every playful leap shows a fresh start and a promise kept. His story shows how a little kindness can make a big difference for both those who serve and the pets they save.

Tayler and his wife are grateful to have found Pete through our program. They appreciate our help navigating them through and beyond their adoption.

“There are many perks, great communication, and your team has been so helpful in bringing Pete into our family and keeping him safe,” Tayler says. “A big thank you from our family to Pets for Patriots.”