Duane’s military career was cut short by a service-connected injury. He now lives with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression. But the Navy veteran found renewal with a spirited shelter dog who senses when he is needed most.

“…a feeling you never forget”

Over the course of more than 15 years in service Duane saw the world. That included deployments to some of the most dangerous places on the planet.

“I’m a Navy veteran who served in Yugoslavia, Somalia, Afghanistan, [and] Iraq,” he says.

The bonds forged through military service are unlike any other. Many veterans struggle to recreate those relationships upon their return to civilian lives.

It is these relationships that Duane remembers most from his military service.

“The camaraderie,” he says. “It’s a feeling you never forget with the brothers and sisters you serve with.”

Service-connected injuries compelled Duane’s separation from the Navy. He is unable to work, and invisible wounds of PTSD and depression haunt him to this day.

Ready or not

It was October 2023 when Duane learned about our companion pet adoption program for military veterans. He had recently laid to rest his family’s previous pet, Teddy, and did not feel ready to adopt.

However, the void left by Teddy’s passing prompted a visit to Portsmouth Humane Society.

The shelter joined our free partner program in 2011. They offer veterans in our program 20 percent off eligible pet adoptions.

Shelter staff told Duane about our partnership and the benefits available to him. But it was a dog named Maggie who would seal the deal.

At the time Maggie was almost five years old. No one knows how she became homeless, but that mattered little to Duane and his wife. Her demeanor was too sweet to resist.

So three weeks after we approved Duane into our program he welcomed Maggie home.

The silly mule

It did not take long for Maggie’s personality to blossom. While still sweet, she is goofy and sometimes stubborn as well. These revelations compelled Duane to change her name.

“Silimuli has brightened my, no, our lives,” he says.

“She is silly and a mule, hence the name.”

The Navy veteran experienced an almost immediate improvement in his mood and esteem. His physical health got a boost, as did his outlook on the future.

“I walk more,” he says. “I feel better about myself and life.”

Stress less

Living with PTSD and depression is a challenge. The accompanying anxiety can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

Pets for Patriots has helped many veterans with unseen wounds adopt four-legged lifelines. We work hard to make our application and adoption processes as easy – and stressless – as possible.

“It was truly a quick process,” Duane shares, “and it makes it easier to adopt an amazing companion.”

Four-legged healer

Although Silimuli has adapted to her new home with ease, it came with a few bumps along the way.

However, there is always a learning curve between person and pet. A new environment, new people, new routines. And a new family member for adopters – one who is dependent upon them for shelter, sustenance, and love.

“It was a challenge for us,” Duane confides, “but we have learned from each other and we mesh well. She is super smart – too smart for her own good – but we love each other.”

The Navy veteran even adores Silimuli’s trademark goofiness and stubborn nature.

“Plus,” he adds, “she is a big drama queen. Has to be the Husky!”

Yet what is most meaningful is the rescue dog’s impact on Duane’s PTSD and depression. She has taken it upon herself to be a healing presence for the couple who saved her.

“She senses when my depression, anxiety, PTSD, [and] pain is ramping up and she comforts me – and even my wife,” Duane says.

“She is just amazing. She loves riding in the car, so I pretty much take her everywhere. And we walk every day.”

Duane’s story is testament to how a companion pet can buoy one’s emotions. Calm stormy seas. Improve physical health. Silimuli’s upbeat personality uplifts the Navy veteran without adding to his anxiety. Yet she is sensitive enough to know when to demur.

“Silimuli has been the best,” Duane says. “She makes us laugh, and her goofiness and [the] love she brings us is amazing.”