William was searching for a new sense of purpose after serving in the Marines. A companion dog helped fill the void he felt after separating from service.

From Afghanistan to New York

William served as a landing support specialist in the United States Marine Corps. These professionals are responsible to set up, maintain, and oversee a wide range of transport systems on land, sea, and in the air. They are critical to the movement of personnel and equipment in support of military operations.

Okinawa, Japan was William’s primary duty station during his tour. His service, including a deployment to Afghanistan, left a lasting impact. So have the lasting friendships he formed with his fellow Marines.

“We have been and continue to be in contact,” he says.

“We are on a path to travel once a year for a reunion.”

These bonds forged in the crucible of service provide a crucial support network for William. They gave him a powerful sense of purpose.

At the end of his tour William separated from the Marines, having earned the rank of sergeant. Upon re-entering civilian life he struggled to find a sense of purpose – like so many veterans before him.

Adrift

These days William lives with his wife in upstate New York. He is an outside sales representative for the automotive division of a major paint manufacturer.

When not at work, the young veteran stays busy with a range of activities and hobbies.

“Fantasy football with my Marine Corps brothers,” he says, ticking off a list. “Hunting, fishing, jerky making.”

But despite a busy life, William lacked a true sense of purpose. And he missed the structure and discipline that are hallmarks of military culture.

William and his wife struggled to start a family as well, which only deepened the void he felt.

“My wife and I have been missing something in our lives and have been having a hard time getting with child,” he shares.

“We felt Dasher would give us another piece to our family.”

Dasher – a new mission begins

It was spring 2024. Dasher was a young, large, mixed-breed dog in the care of Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester.

The organization is among our original partners. They joined our free shelter program in 2011. Lollypop Farm offer our veterans half-priced adoptions for saving eligible dogs and cats.

The idea of a adopting a companion pet brought comfort to the couple’s hearts. They embraced the understanding that raising a dog would take dedication.

And Dasher would need that devotion. While he was outgoing, he was slow to trust. Like most shelter animals Dasher is a work in progress.

Pets for life

William discovered Pets for Patriots online. He was immediately drawn to our mission and applied upon meeting Dasher.

“To be honest, I had no idea this was a thing until I was scrolling through social media,” he recalls.

“And I read some of the things you do, and I felt compelled to go through a great organization.”

Our work champion pets for life. Besides adoption, we have crisis support and veterinary care programs.

Our goal is to help keep veterans and pets together, and prevent dogs and cats being surrendered back to animal shelters.

“…boosted my morale”

Dasher became part of William’s family on the spot. And almost from his first day he gave the Marine veteran a renewed sense of purpose – and structure to his day.

“It brought me back to a routine,” William shares. “5:30 AM I’m up taking him on his first walk, feeding at 6 AM, second walk at 7 AM, and out the door by 7:30. He has gotten me more active and boosted my morale.”

With his new family member comes new routines for William. These include training. Dasher is a relatively young dog; little is known about his prior life.

“We have been training and teaching him a few things,” he shares, slowly gaining his trust.”

While Dasher is learning how to be less fearful, he is at his core an outgoing soul. Everyone he meets is a potential new friend.

“He is most definitely an extroverted dog,” William says, “always looking for the next person [or] dog to play with.”

Pup with a purpose

But it is Dasher’s companionship and playful personality that mean so much to William. The big dog knows just how to make the Marine Corps veteran smile.

“He will sit on a chair like a human, and it cracks me up every time.”

With a sense of purpose restored, William is quick to recommend Pets for Patriots.

Besides benefits to make pet adoption more affordable, we follow up with every adopter for at least one year.

“The process has been painless,” William says. “They have been a great organization that is on top of their communication.”

Dasher’s playful personality and eagerness to please give William an emotional boost. He has renewed the Marine’s sense of purpose – and in doing so became a pup with a purpose of his own.