Donald needed a companion after separating from service. The third generation Marine found what he needed in a quirky, aloof rescue cat.

A legacy of service

In 2016 Donald continued a family tradition: he joined the Marines. He served with Alpha Co 3rd Platoon as part of the FAST regiment.

The Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) are an elite unit within the Marine Corps. These professionals perform a range of security duties, including rapid deployment to protect United States assets and personnel around the world.

There was little doubt that Donald would enlist in the Marines.

“I joined because it was my duty, and it was a family tradition,” he says. “I’m a third generation Marine.”

After two deployments with the FAST Donald was sent to Hawaii. He finished his tour of duty there, serving with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines.

Like many military personnel Donald served in various military occupational specialties. In Hawaii he was part of security forces, but served as a marksmanship coach and infantry rifleman as well.

Hey, hey I’m the monkey

During his tour of duty Donald had many memorable experiences. One brings him a smile to this day.

“We were on our second deployment,” he shares, “doing patrol base training operations in this mountain range.”

A call came over the radio to end exercises for the night. The third generation Marine and his fellow devil dogs were thrilled to relax for the remainder of the evening.

But the unit’s delight would not last.

“As soon as people started getting comfortable we found out why we ended the exercise for the night – a big storm was rolling in,” Donald says.

“We got soaked by the time we put tarps up and we paired off to keep warm.”

Winds soon reached near hurricane force. A fellow Marine – known for his talent making animal sounds – screamed like a monkey as part of a prank. He then feigned fear, pretending he did not make the noises.

The image of a monkey howling in the wind had everyone laughing, despite the cold, wet, and windy conditions.

Life after the Marines

In 2021 Donald separated from service and remains part of the Corps’ Individual Ready Reserve. He calls Davenport, Iowa home and is currently in college.

“I am studying for secondary education with endorsements in 5-12 U.S. history, 5-12 world history, government, and sociology,” he says. “The GI Bill lets me focus on school without trying to fit in a part-time job, which has been a lifesaver.”

Since 1944 the GI Bill has helped veterans and military family members with the costs of higher education and training.

Except for an uncle nearby, most of Donald’s family are scattered across the country. When not in school he leads a local history club or simply relaxes at home.

It is in those quieter moments that the third generation Marine faces loneliness.

“I live alone. Getting out of the military has two sides,” he explains.

“You want your own private space where people aren’t messing with your stuff, and the other being you want people you genuinely trust and care about.”

And like many veterans, Donald feels out of place with the priorities of the society he rejoins.

The obligations, training, and experiences of military culture are sobering. They can make many aspects of civilian life seem trivial in comparison.

Young veterans grow up fast.

“It’s weird doing the stuff we volunteered for and coming back and listening to children complain about a paper or something,” he shares.

“Like that’s the worst of their worries.”

Ready to rescue

During Donald’s first deployment his dog had died. He vowed that if he were ever to get another pet it would be only after he finished his military obligations.

In late summer of 2023 the young veteran decided it was time to adopt a four-legged friend.

“I wanted that companionship, someone who wasn’t going to complain about trivial stuff. Someone who needed me.”

In the prior year Humane Society of Scott County joined our free shelter partner program. The organization waives adoption fees for our veterans adopting eligible dogs and cats.

It was at the shelter that Donald received a brochure about our companion pet adoption program for veterans. He liked that, among our many benefits, we make it more affordable to welcome home a new pet.

A month after being approved into our program the third generation Marine met his match.

Fetching feline

At the time Brinn was a five year-old tabby cat with stunning green eyes and a tiger-like coat. Shelter staff believed she may have been a barn cat at some point. She had been at the shelter for a while, perhaps due to her lack of sociability.

Yet Donald felt an instant kinship with this cautious cat.

“She was skittish in the kennel, didn’t like getting touched, and generally wanted to be left alone,” Donald recalls. “I understood that.”

So in the waning days of August the Marine Corps veteran gave Brinn her freedom, and changed her name to Jynx.

“…stole my heart”

Despite her new name, Jynx is one lucky cat. Her aloofness vanished overnight as she lay claim to her Marine.

“The day after I got her home she opened up, absolutely blew my mind and stole my heart,” he says.

“She started sleeping on me, rubbing up on anything she could, playing with the little toys, and finding different places to call a bed.”

Donald appreciates our check ins by email and phone – and that there is a program like ours that helps veterans. He credits Pets for Patriots for helping him and Lynx get started in their life together.

“The welcome home gift card is massive for anyone who is in school or doesn’t have a lot to spend,” he says. “You can get some cool things for a pet that mine has definitely enjoyed.”

“I don’t feel alone”

While most aspects of Donald’s day to day life remain the same, his life has changed in meaningful ways. And for the better.

“I don’t feel alone,” he shares. “I always have company now, which is genuinely a boost in my mood. She’s a little crackhead sometimes, but she’s got a chill side.”

The pair have settled into a comfortable routine based upon mutual understanding. Both enjoy some independence from one another. Yet they cherish time together as well, and little routines that belong only to them strengthen their bond.

For instance, Jynx loves to tap Donald’s arm while he’s working on the computer. It is her way of demanding immediate attention – and some pets.

“It’s the funniest thing, just looking down and see[ing] a paw reached out and her looking at me expectantly.”

To this day Jynx remains somewhat aloof; it is who she is. And it is all the more reason that Donald is smitten when she seeks his company or attention.

“She isn’t a very social cat,” he says.

“So seeing her come up and tap me to go to bed or climb into my lap for pets or sleep, it makes me think she’s happy.”