Danny served as an M1 Army tank driver for two years until a career-ending, life-changing accident. He was crushed under an M1 Abrams gun tube while training in the Mohave desert.

A mere four months later Danny developed cancer at the site of his injury. He received a medical discharge in 1991 and started the grueling process to rebuild his life.

In June 2024 the Army veteran adopted a then two year-old Pit Bull mix named Charlie. He met his canine partner through The Humane Society for Tacoma Pierce County.

Since 2012 the shelter offers veterans in our program a mere 16 dollar adoption fee, and to date has more than 100 adoptions through our partnership.

This is Danny’s story, told in his own words.

Alone and lonely

After the divorce from my wife of 28 years, life in my small, swanky apartment in downtown Auburn, Washington felt emptier than I could have imagined.

The city buzzed outside my window, but inside, it was just me – alone with my thoughts.

As a 100 percent disabled veteran I was used to facing challenges.

Cancer had forced me into early retirement when I was just 40, and now, over 13 years later, I found myself confronting another difficult chapter.

My doctor, who had seen me through some of my toughest times, suggested I consider getting an emotional support animal.

That’s when I discovered the Pets for Patriots program.

“…she was the one”

At that moment in my life I desperately needed a companion – someone who could offer unconditional love and companionship.

Enter Charlie. The day I met her, I knew she was the one.

A 53-pound Pit Bull with the sweetest, most loving disposition, she immediately made it clear that she was ready to fill the void in my life.

It wasn’t just her adorable face or her gentle nature. It was the way she seemed to understand exactly what I needed.

All you need is love

Charlie quickly became the center of my world. We started exploring downtown Auburn together, where she loved nothing more than meeting new people and their dogs.

Charlie was a natural at making friends and her enthusiasm was infectious. She’d wag her tail and offer her love to everyone who crossed our path, bringing joy not just to me, but to the entire community.

We also spent countless hours at the beach and local parks, where she’d run after her toys [bought] with the gift card she received.

Fetch became our favorite game, and seeing her joy every time she brought a toy back made every day a little brighter.

Car rides were another of her simple pleasures, and I found myself taking the long way home just to see her ears flap in the wind, her eyes alight with excitement.

“…perfect companion”

Charlie was more than just a pet; she was my partner, my confidante, and my emotional anchor.

In her, I found the perfect companion – 53 pounds of pure love who made life after divorce not just bearable, but genuinely happy.

Together we forged a new path, one filled with walks, car rides, and the simple joy of living each day to its fullest.

She helps me be a better person.