Years after his military service Troy found himself beset by depression. But a rescue dog is turning his life around with positivity.

“I think of him often”

In 2002 Troy enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. During his tour of duty he worked in the Guard’s legal corps.

“I worked as a legalman with the 8th District HQ Legal Office JAG in New Orleans, Louisiana,” he says. “I served during Hurricane Katrina and stood up the ‘people cell’ that coordinated relief efforts from St. Louis, Missouri.”

A legalman is akin to a civilian paralegal. They provide a wide range of legal assistance to serve members, their families, and even retirees. But it was an experience in the aftermath of one of the worst hurricanes on record that Troy remembers most.

“An elderly man was trapped floating in the attic of his home after Hurricane Katrina. We chopped through the roof and extricated him from the floodwater where he had been for two days.”

The rescue was a partial success. It haunts Troy to this day.

“He survived the ordeal,” he recalls, “but his wife of many years did not. I think of him often.”

Like father, like sons

Four years later, in 2006, Troy separated from the Coast Guard with an honorable discharge. He now calls Cincinnati, Ohio home, and leads a busy life between work and artistic pursuits.

“I’m a federal employee with the IRS, and a freelance illustrator and comic book artist.”

The Coast Guard veteran is a proud father, as well. He instilled in his children a strong love of country. Two of Troy’s three sons followed in his footsteps by enlisting in the United States military.

“I have two sons currently serving on active duty, with the Navy and Coast Guard,” he says, “and a third son learning to be an automotive mechanic.”

The unseen

Despite outward appearances to the contrary, Troy was living with invisible wounds.

Many veterans struggle with mental health issues years after their military service. Often these struggles go unnoticed, even by the people who know them best.

Troy was an empty nester and had divorced years earlier. He noticed that his mental health began to deteriorate.

However, the Coast Guard veteran chose a path of positivity: he would adopt a companion pet.

“My sons have grown and left the home. I wanted a companion because I am long divorced,” he shares, “and suffer bouts of depression and loneliness.”

Studies have shown that companion pets – and dogs in particular – help people reclaim hope and purpose in their lives.

Making a house a home

It was social media to the rescue. Troy found out about Pets for Patriots through Facebook. He learned that we serve veterans from WWII to active duty, from all armed forces.

“I am glad that your organization exists and that you care for older veterans like myself,” he says.

In June 2022 Troy applied to our companion pet adoption program and was approved. However, he was living in an apartment that would not permit him to have a dog.

Almost two years later Troy reached out to us. He was overcome with hope because he was ready to adopt a pet, at long last.

“I am finally in a position to adopt a dog!” he shares. “I have moved from my former apartment and I’ve bought a house.”

Troy was to become the first adoption through our partnership with SPCA Cincinnati. The shelter waives adoption fees for our veterans when they rescue eligible pets.

Four-legged happy

It was March 2024 and Bullet was a large, young dog in the care of SPCA Cincinnati. His previous family surrendered him alongside his sister.

Yet Bullet did not let his circumstances dim his mood. He exuded the hope and positivity that endeared him to Troy on the spot.

So on the very last day of March, Troy and Bullet were adopted. And the big dog got a big new name: Charlie Bucket.

“…love him to pieces”

On average about 25 percent of shelter dogs are pure breeds. But not Charlie Bucket.

Troy believes his new charge is a mix of Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retriever. Two smart, athletic breeds that need a lot of mental and physical exercise – and training, to boot.

“He’s quite a handful, but I don’t mind. He’s very smart and trainable and has been an eager and quick learner,” he says. “I just love him to pieces.”

Charlie brings the positivity that keeps Troy’s depression and loneliness at bay. He is a boon to the Coast Guard’s veteran’s emotional and physical wellbeing.

“My life is 100 percent better with Charlie to share it with. He’s loving and playful and an absolute optimist!” Troy exclaims. “Everything in the world is just there for Charlie to sniff, to watch, to eat, or to play with.”

No longer lost or lonely

Companion pets do not solve the challenges that ail us; they seem to move them out of the way. They take up the space where people dwell on their troubles or allow themselves to be sullen or worrisome. They challenge us to reimagine our lives as they see the world: as a place of optimism and wonder.

Troy is experiencing this phenomenon firsthand. Depression and loneliness created a sense of emptiness. Charlie Bucket replenishes it with hope.

“Charlie has helped fill that void with his unconditional love, and comical exuberance and energy,” Troy shares. “He truly is a very good boy.”

Many people experience depression, loneliness, or anxiety at various times in their lives. There is no shame in having these unseen wounds, nor is their shame in seeking help to overcome them.

For many veterans, companion pets are an antidote to life’s struggles. Rescue pets compel their saviors to look at life through the eyes of the innocent.

“If you are feeling – like I was – a bit lost and lonely – adopt a new friend through Pets for Patriots,” Troy shares. “Give them your love. I promise you will get double in return.”