After receiving a medical discharge from the Army, Christopher would rebuild his life. He navigates his healing journey with the help of family and friends. But it is a rescued Pit Bull aptly named Moses who lets him know that he is not alone.

“It was my turn”

Many children who grow up in military families make the same selfless choice to serve. Nearly 80 percent of Army recruits have at least one family member who served in the military.

Christopher was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2000 he enlisted in the Army. His uncle and grandfather – who served in the Vietnam and Korean wars, respectively – inspired him.

“It was always in the family,” he says. “It was my turn.”

Christopher’s first military occupational specialty, or MOS, was 25 Lima. His primary duties were to install and maintain fiber optic and cable systems. In time he served as a 25 November. In this role he set up bases and their critical communications systems.

Despite not serving in a combat role Christopher still served in harm’s way. He would deploy three times to the Middle East, including in support of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The young veteran does not have a singular memory that stands out above the rest. Over the course of more than a decade of service he recalls the feeling that he was not alone.

It was the bonds of brotherhood with fellow soldiers that Christopher remembers most.

“Camaraderie,” he says, “and being a part of a bigger mission to help and take care of someone.”

New beginnings

In 2012 Christopher separated from the Army with a medical discharge. He had earned the rank of sergeant and suffered a serious injury that rendered him unable to remain in service.

Many veterans find it difficult to transition from military culture to civilian life. Christopher would be no different.

Yet not long after his discharge the young veteran was “extremely blessed.” Three soldiers with whom he had served reached out to him about a job at a major defense contractor. Their manager, a Vietnam veteran, understood the challenges of starting life anew.

Christopher saw this as a sign that he was not alone. The job offer was a bridge, of sorts, made possible by the strong bonds he forged in the Army.

At first Christopher worked in satellite operations for a major defense contractor. Currently he works with geostationary and orbital satellites for a large government agency. He is proud to be able to support his family.

And the young veteran feels lucky to put the skills he learned in the military to good use in his civilian life. While he cannot undo the injury that ended his military career, he is learning to keep moving ahead.

“Part of healing,” he shares, “is accepting it and keeping busy.”

The road to healing

Christopher’s professional transition to civilian life was going apace. But there was tragedy in his personal life when his family lost their beloved dog.

“Not having a four-legged friend around the house was an issue,” he says.

Christopher’s family has been supportive during his service and throughout his post-military recovery. Still, there was something about having a dog that made him feel that he was not alone.

So the Army veteran and his wife decided to adopt a puppy. But caring for such a young animal during a turbulent time in their lives was overwhelming. The couple made the painful decision to return the puppy to the shelter to find a more suitable home.

All in the family

Time passed. In December 2023 Christopher decided once again to adopt a companion dog. This time the family agreed that everyone would contribute to the animal’s care. And everyone would make the decision on which dog to adopt.

Christopher discussed his plans with friends. And he sought counsel from the Wounded Warrior Project and other veterans organizations. These conversations led him to Pets for Patriots and our pet adoption program for military veterans.

Like many would-be adopters, Christopher and his family started their search online. They saw a few dogs in the care of Humane Society of Harford County that they wanted to meet in person.

Since 2011 the shelter offers veterans in our program 20 percent off adoption fees. This savings is above the many benefits we offer to make pet adoption affordable for life.

Christopher appreciates our work unleashing hope for both veterans and the companion pets they adopt.

“It is great to know there is a program out there that helps both of us,” he says.

“…the one”

Christopher and his family visited the shelter to meet their dog candidates. After none of them hit the mark a staff member decided to bring out one dog who had not been on their list.

At the time Moe was a four year-old chocolate brown, doe-eyed Pit Bull mix. He had many unfair strikes against him. A misunderstood breed heritage. His adult age. And being a dark-furred dog further diminished his chances of finding a home.

Moe had been in Humane Society of Harford County since mid-November. There was scant interest to adopt him until Christopher’s family met him that late December day.

“We knew he was the one.”

Because we had already approved Christopher into our program he was able to adopt Moe the very same day. He appreciates how easy we made the process, outlining every step in his approval letter.

And with various year-end savings through the shelter, Christopher only had to pay eight dollars for Moe’s license.

“It was a blessing,” he says, noting that finances are an issue for many veterans.

So two days before Christmas Moe found his home. And Christopher knew once again that he was not alone.

“Daddy’s boy”

Moe marked his new life with a new name: Moses. While the big dog’s impacts are not quite Biblical, his instincts seem heaven sent.

“He kind of knows when something is going on with my family or if someone is upset,” Christopher shares. “Whenever we have a bad day he is always there.”

Moses is an equal opportunity savant – despite becoming what Christopher says is a ‘daddy’s boy.’

“He has this look about him that he’s looking into your soul, like ‘I got you.’ He’s like that with the whole family.”

Still, Moses tends to favor Christopher’s company. When the Army veteran works from home Moses will sit on his lap and gaze out the window.

“…I am not alone”

Moses does share his love with all members of his new pack. He has become a lifesaver to Christopher’s wife and daughter.

“I am beyond grateful,” the Army veteran says.

“Not sure how to explain it, but Moses feels like he has always been a part of our family. My wife and daughter both are type one diabetics and Moses just knows when they need help as well. He is always checking in on everyone.”

It is this caring demeanor – and his calming gaze – that has cemented Moses as part of the family.

“He has this deep look on his face when he is looking at me, like he is letting me know I am not alone,” Christopher says.

“Thank you so much for partnering with me, and bringing joy, happiness, and peace back into my life.”

Christopher has given so much to our great nation through his military service. He deployed to some of the most dangerous places on the planet during times of war. He suffered a career-ending injury that cut short his already considerable Army service.

And yet, this Army war veteran still feels inspired to give of himself.

“Let us know if there is anything we can do in turn to help another family the way you helped us,” he says. “I thank G-d for Pets for Patriots.”