A senior rescue cat in search of a home brought companionship, joy, and stability into the life of the young veteran who saved him.

Soldier on

Elise is a full-time firefighter and EMT in Pasadena, Maryland. She serves as a medic in the Maryland Army National Guard, as well.

In 2015 Elise thought she was applying for a civilian job with the Army when she entered a recruiter’s office. It would turn out to be a fortunate mistake.

“A recruiter explained that I was inquiring about the Army National Guard and was I interested in enlisting,” she recalls. “I talked to a friend about the whole interaction, and she explained that the National Guard was a component of the Army.”

While enlisting in the military was not her original plan, Elise had a change of heart.

“I enlisted 16 days later,” she says.

“A spontaneous decision, but one that I am so happy occurred.”

Elise has served in eight units and in three military occupational specialties: medic, fueler, and mechanic. One memorable experience was spray-painting “Military Police” on a battalion’s worth of vehicles.

“I received an Army Achievement Medal for my work,” she says.

“I just think it’s comical that I got an award for spray-painting military vehicles.”

New life for old cat

In May 2022 Elise was approved into our program. She was hoping to adopt right away, but it would be a few months til one particular senior cat crossed her path.

Travis was in the care of Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control. Since 2016 the shelter waives adoption fees for veterans through our partnership.

At the time, Travis was a senior cat with few prospects for a new home. Already 10 years old, he entered the shelter in late August. His prior life is a mystery, as is common with rescue animals.

With her Pets for Patriots approval already in hand, Elise was ready to adopt Travis on the spot.

“…enjoy the present moment”

Life changed for the better almost from the moment Elise brought the senior cat home.

“Travis has given me stability and responsibility. I have another life to care for, and I think in turn it helps me to take care of myself,” she shares. “He always reminds me to slow down and just hang out, relax on the couch, and take a moment to enjoy the present moment.”

The old cat soon became the veteran’s near constant companion. Travis is never far from Elise’s side; he follows her everywhere at home. Yet the guardsman does not mind her little shadow.

“I enjoy the close companionship and the fact that Travis is a cuddling cat,” she shares. “He may not always like to be pet, but he is always willing to sit right next to me on the couch or come cozy up next to me when I head to bed.”

One of Elise’s favorite parts of her day is coming home to Travis. He lets her know that he missed her – and that she is not alone. The chatty old cat always seems eager to tell Elise what he has been doing while she was away.

“Travis always greets me when I come home from work or being out with his very vocal meows. It’s nice to come home to someone and to hear all about his chatty day!”

Set for success

Elise encourages other veterans to adopt a companion dog or cat – or two – through Pets for Patriots. She knows firsthand that adoption is life-changing for both the person and the pet.

“It’s amazing. They truly help you every step of the way. It’s an easy process, quick and efficient,” she says.

“It’s been a few years since I adopted Travis, but I still think fondly of the program and how much it has helped me.”

Elise appreciates our support from application through adoption. But even more important to her is the meaning behind our mission.

“I think the purpose of the program is amazing. Pets for Patriots not only helps veterans and active service members, but also helps pets get adopted that may not have otherwise. They provide resources to the adopter to better provide for the pet,” she says.

“Pets for Patriots sets everyone up for success – me and my pet!”

Through Pets for Patriots, Elise found more than a pet. She found a lifelong companion – one who reminds her to stop for a moment to appreciate each day.