Tim never considered himself a cat guy, having dogs for most of his life. But after the passing of his most recent dog this lonely widower decided to try something new.

Gator Navy

In 1967 Tim enlisted in the Navy. He served as an electronics technician and was in the Gator Navy on an Landing Ship, Tank—or LST.

These ships transport troops, materiel, and vehicles in support of military offensive actions. The Gator Navy refers to the amphibious forces conducting these vital transports.

During Tim’s tour of duty he would serve on other ships as well.

“My last year on was on a tender,” he recalls. “I was an East coast sailor going to the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, and Caribbean.”

The Navy veteran acquired many memories during his military service. He remembers one particularly long assignment.

“I was on an eight-month cruise in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean,” he shares. “Showcasing a hydrofoil gunboat, the Tucumcari, to our NATO allies.”

Finally, in 1972, Tim separated from the Navy to start the transition from military to civilian life.

A heavy quiet

Life these days is much less quiet for Tim. Sometimes, too quiet. He is retired, and buys golf club sets and then sells individual clubs as replacements.

“I also love to read, play golf, watch movies, and exercise,” he says.

But a profound sense of disquiet enveloped Tim’s life in late 2024. It would prompt him to consider adopting a pet to keep the loneliness at bay.

“I lost my dog in November from cancer,” he shares, “and as a widower and living alone, I missed the companionship of a pet.”

Cat’s out of the bag

For his entire life Tim enjoyed the company of dogs. But he decided to see what life might be like as a cat guy.

“Always having dogs, I decided to try a cat and I have not been disappointed,” he confides, “as she is very affectionate and lots of fun.”

She is Pia, who was a four year-old cat when Tim met her at Baltimore Humane Society. Since 2013 the shelter waives adoption fees for veterans we serve. Together we have almost 150 adoptions over the years.

In fact, it was staff at Baltimore Humane Society who told Tim about our how our program works.

Tim appreciates the benefits we offer that make pet adoption more affordable for veterans and military families.

“I think it is a wonderful program for veterans that may be put off by adoption fees,” he says.

In fact, lifetime cost of pet care is not only a major deterrent to people adopting pets, but a top reason animals are surrendered back to shelters.

“…just what I needed”

So in the waning weeks of 2024 Tim became a cat guy.

“The only thing I miss having a cat,” he shares, “is that there is no tail wagging.”

But Tia has her own ways of expressing happiness. Over the months the Navy veteran is becoming something of a cat convert.

“She is very affectionate, independent, and very low maintenance,” he says. “I really enjoy having her around the house.”

In no uncertain terms, Pia is a hoot. She loves swatting stuffed mice toys into the air. Yet she is completely disinterested in laser pointers and other typical cat toys.

It is almost as though Pia is trying not to be too cat-like for her new cat guy dad. Still, she follows Tim around the house and in the evenings enjoys being a lap cat.

For his part, Tim is happy with his decision to try something new. Pia has rewarded his decision many times over with her ever present companionship.

“I live alone as my wife passed away a few years ago,” Tim says. “Pia is just what I needed.”