Joe did not plan on adopting a shoe-stealing dog. But when his children begged for a family pup, the one who chose them wound up stealing more than their footwear.

9/11

Americans reacted with justifiable horror at the terror attacks of September 11. Yet some channeled their anger, shock, and grief to a higher purpose.

Joe is one such man. He turned a national tragedy into a personal mission; he chose to serve in the United States military.

“[I] enlisted right after 9/11 because I wanted to serve my country and our allies,” he explains. “Served in the Air Force Reserve and Florida Air National Guard for 20 years. Retired after 20 years.”

With two decades of military service behind him, Joe now works as a network engineer for a large internet service provider.

For the love of dogs

The airman’s children had long lobbied for a dog. But with the long and often uncertain hours of his military obligation, a dog would have to wait.

Finally, in early 2024, Joe retired from the Air Force National Guard. And after 20 years of selfless service it was time to do something special – for himself and for his family.

It was time to adopt a companion pet.

“Dogs show unconditional love and emotional support,” he says, “and my kids wanted a dog so it was a win-win.”

In the waning days of 2023 Joe visited SPCA Tampa Bay. Since 2019 the shelter has made dozens of adoptions through our partnership. They offer our veterans $250 off adoption fees for eligible dogs and cats.

Staff told Joe about how our program works and encouraged him to apply. And on the same day we approved Joe into our Pets for Patriots family, he added a four-legged member to his own.

“Pets for Patriots provided great opportunities for adoption fees,” he explains, “and pet support for veterans.”

At the time of their adoption Sheena was a large, young shepherd mix. She has large, pointed ears and a permanent expression of curiosity.

So shoe me

Sheena injected new energy into Joe’s household from her very first day. Like most adolescent dogs she loves a good chase – and a little thievery, too.

“She likes to steal shoes, crocs, socks, and other clothing items,” Joe shares.

“So we have to chase her down, catch her, and get the items back before she shreds them to pieces.”

But the airman takes Sheena’s shoe-stealing habits in stride. He insists it is all good fun.

“The entire time we’re laughing about it because she’s fast,” he says.

And Sheena is no less spirited when she is out of the house. There are too many fun activities to keep her entertained.

“We like to go for walks, play at the dog park, and go to Starbucks to get frappuccino’s and pup cups,” Joe says. “She loves pup cups.”

“…part of the family”

A big part of our mission is driving down the lifetime costs of pet guardianship. The ultimate goal is keeping people and pets together so that no dog or cat is surrendered back to the shelter.

Our pets for life philosophy extends to everything we do. It is the driving force behind our purpose. And it has spawned new initiatives, such as our hero and hardship programs, as well as our pilot dog training program.

Joe is happy that he adopted his shoe-stealing pup through our nationwide program. He suggests fellow veterans do the same.

“I’d highly recommend that veterans adopt through Pets for Patriots. They provide great benefits and support for the veteran community,” he says.

“Their staff was outstanding to work with, very responsive, and helped resolved any issues that came about during the adoption process.”

In the end it is about the people and households made whole through adoption. It is about saving the most vulnerable homeless animals who need a second – or third or fourth – chance at life.

Sheena, for all her shoe-stealing ways, is among the fortunate ones. She is repaying her high-flying savior with love.

“Sheena has been a great dog for our family,” Joe says. “She loves us, and protects us. She’s part of the family.”