Before being adopted, Kay was an adult dog like too many others, sitting in a shelter with few prospects of a forever home until a Navy couple made her family.  In return, she has brought the pair even closer together, and provides welcome comfort during deployments – a staple of military life. This is their story as told by Robert, active duty United States Navy.

Our thanks to the Virginia Beach SPCA, whose partnership made this story possible.

Born to serve

I am currently on active duty in the United States Navy. My wife and I live in Virginia, where I am stationed. Both of us are from California and have no immediate family on the East coast, but we’re loving it – especially since Kay joined our family. 

I joined the Navy in 2011 right out of high school. My grandfather inspired me to join. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to serve, while earning my higher education at the same time. I’m a machinist mate second class now, and am in the Expeditionary Warfare Combat Command.

The first high value asset (HVA) escort that I was on is probably the most prominent memory so far. When you’re out on the water and any vessel begins to approach your HVA, your adrenaline gets pumping and you go to fight mode.

A fighter and a lover

I’ve always been a dog lover. Grew up with dogs in the house for my entire childhood. It was time for my wife and I to make an addition to our family.

I was referred to the [Pets for Patriots] program by the Virginia Beach SPCA. It’s great that we have the program to give active duty, veteran, and retired military an option to find peace through the love of an animal.

Kay has brought my wife and I even closer together, and we can always count on her to be wagging her “destruct-o” tail when we walk through the door. She gets hair on EVERYTHING, but we wouldn’t change it for the world. 

She makes my wife happy. While I’m deployed, it makes an enormous difference.

This is an amazing program with no downside. Adopting an animal is a huge responsibility, so make sure you and your family are ready. If you are, then it’ll be one of the best decisions you make. Guaranteed.

Find out how Pets for Patriots helps last-chance dogs and cats around the country find loving homes with United States military veterans.