Many service members adapting to the dynamics of military life find comfort in a canine companion or feline friend. One Army veteran learned this lesson when her young military family faced the hardship of deployment.

To the Army, with love

In 2023 there were 452,000 active-duty service members in the U.S. Army. This was the smallest Army since WWII.

Morgan was one of those members, serving as a joint fire support specialist. These professionals develop intelligence to inform artillery positions for combat missions.

In this role Morgan forged many memorable moments. But it is clear why one such moment shined brighter than the rest.

“It would have to be meeting my husband,” she recalls. “We are the same MOS and were in the same unit when I was on active duty.”

MOS refers to a service members military occupational specialty. In short, it is their job description.

The pair nurtured a companionship through their service that ultimately led to love. Marriage and family soon followed. In time, Morgan and her husband welcomed two children: a now two-year-old daughter and a five-month-old son.

But life throws curveballs, especially military life. Morgan’s husband had to leave shortly after their son was born; he had been deployed.

“I needed a companion…”

In 2023 Morgan completed her active duty obligations. She joined the Army Reserve and is re-classing to a practical nursing specialist. Fort Campbell Army base is home to her young family. It is where she balances her part-time Army duties with raising an infant and a toddler.

Morgan discovered that transitioning from active duty was harder than she expected. It was the only life she knew for four, action-packed years. And now with her husband on deployment, her household and routine were upended.

So the young Army veteran decided that she needed a helping hand. In Morgan’s case, that meant adopting a canine companion.

“I chose to adopt a dog because I had a huge life change happen going from full-time Army to part-time Army,” she explains.

“Then on top of that having a baby and my husband deploying soon after. I needed a companion to join me on hikes or anything outside.”

Companion pets can help people seeking to fill the void of a deployed family member. They offer a sense of security. A distraction to the loneliness that families of the deployed endure.

Defender of the people

The Army veteran started her search at her local animal shelter, Prairie Paws Adoption Center. Staff told her about our partnership to help military veterans adopt companion dogs and cats.

“They said they were partners with the program, so I looked into it!” she shares. “I decided to adopt through the program for the benefits.”

Since 2016 Prairie Paws offers our veterans half-priced adoptions. It is in addition to the benefits we offer to make pet adoption more affordable for military veterans.

Morgan applied to our program and two days later met her match.

Addison was a then two year-old black German Shepherd mix with soulful brown eyes and remarkably big ears. Her intelligence and energy level made her a perfect fit for Morgan’s young yet active family.

Upon adoption Addison would get a new name more fitting of her new role. Zasha, which means ‘defender of the people.’ Finally this canine companion had people of her own to protect.

All in the family

It did not take long for Zasha to find her place in the pack; she knew where she belonged. Just like Morgan knew that she wanted to serve her country. Or when it was time to enlist in the Army Reserve to balance her duties as a new mom. And when her husband knew it was time to answer the call to deploy.

Knowing how to serve runs deep in this young Army family. It is no surprise that Zasha has settled in so well. And the big dog is a natural caretaker to her human siblings.

“Zasha is doing great so far!” Morgan exclaims.

“She’s definitely good with my kids, which I love.”

While Morgan’s new canine companion loves her family, she loves to learn as well. Zasha is proving to be a quick study – especially when treats are at stake.

But the most meaningful role Zasha plays is being the canine companion her family needs. Sometimes this means seeking out Morgan when she is having a hard day. Or being a nighttime TV binge watch companion.

“She knows when I am stressed and comes up to me to lick me,” Morgan shares, adding, “I now have a friend to watch crime shows with on late nights.”

“…changed my life”

By adopting through Pets for Patriots, Morgan has become part of our extended pack. She now is part of a nationwide story of veterans who find love and comfort with an adopted pet.

The Army veteran encourages other veterans to adopt through our program as well.

“It has many benefits,” she says, “and it’s nice to read about other veterans and their journey[s] with their pets.”

In the end, adopting a canine companion or feline friend is a personal decision.

These sentient creatures depend upon their humans for food, shelter, care, and – of course – love.

Adopting an animal for life is a serious commitment. But for those who enlist it is a venture worthy of their time and devotion.

Just ask Morgan.

“Zasha has changed my life in so many ways.”