Pets For Vets has matched Veterans and pets around the nation. When a Veteran is matched with the right pet, both lives change for the better. The Veteran saves the animal and welcomes him/her into a loving home. The pet provides the Veteran with unconditional love and support, easing stress, depression, loneliness and anxiety. Together, they share a Super Bond™ that provides them both with a whole new “leash” on life. Search through our match stories, below, and see for yourself how both the Veteran's and the pet's lives have been changed forever.
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My life had become a mess, so I went to the VA at West Haven, Connecticut, and checked in to seven years of ongoing programs. One of my therapists suggested I get a pet to help me through sleepless nights. I turned to my friend and asked how to get a companion animal. She got me in touch with Pets for Vets® - Roar-Ridgefield Ct.
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I did an internet search after my doctor talked about getting a pet. I found Pets for Vets in Columbus. I apperciate the work the chapter has done; they've been there to help me through this. They found the right dog for me.
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Pets for Vets is a great program. When they helped me get Princess it was an amazing experience. The timing was perfect. I had lost everything. I was struggling with my recovery when she showed up in my life. She gave me strength to carry on.
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Hello, my name is Chuck Gartland. I was in the Marine Corp. from 1967 to 1971. I was a second place finisher in the Southeast-Asian War Games. When I came home I had spine damage, eye sight damage and years later found out I was suffering from P.T.S.D.
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Oh baby, is Gunner Blue awesome! He loves to run and play in the back yard and has discovered the pool. We got him a PFD vest so our grand baby and Gunner can learn to swim together this summer....first year for both - can’t wait!
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The story of Knox begins as a stray in Kentucky (perhaps, hence the name “Fort Knox”). From a rescue in Kentucky he was transferred to a rescue in the North Chicago area and then to Wisconsin. After searching for five months, our trainer had found the perfect companion for Chad.
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Gabby is now in her forever home with her forever Mom, Kim. Gabby will enjoy her new life living in the country, playing with the household cats, and knowing unconditional love. This is a big change for Gabby considering her past life. Gabby came to us after being transported from Mississippi.
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Zach is active Army personnel and has had 3 overseas deployments. Currently Zach is working as an Army recruiter here in Michigan. We received Zach’s application for a Pets for Vets buddy and discovered that he’s here on his own, pretty far from family.
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My name is Cora, you guys got me ready for my new girl, Chris, a couple of weeks ago. I was a little confused and somewhat scared because my last people didn't
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Pets for Vets typically places dogs but sometimes, a cat is exactly what a Veteran needs! That was certainly the case when the DC chapter of Pets for Vets matched Taneisha with an orphaned kitten named Minx. The two couldn’t be more perfect for each other! A very special thank you to Alyssa Perry of A Tail to Be Told Animal Rescue.
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“My name is MaryAnn Dyer. I am a 100% disabled Army Veteran with a combat military occupational skill (MOS) in intelligence. My clearance is a TSBICI. I worked in war rooms on the front line and around the world.
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Dani, abandoned and pregnant, wandered to a family’s home in West Virginia. Unable to care for Dani the family reached out to their local rescue who took Dani in where she had 3 beautiful puppies. Her journey however, was just beginning.
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Steve was looking for a companion dog with whom he could go on long walks, spend time and help him meet his neighbors. He was new to the Orange County, CA area and had recently retired from the military.
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I don't know how to thank you for choosing Lady for us. She is such a treat to have. She takes me for walks about three times a day, which I enjoy and is good for me.
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A week before Thanksgiving in 2016, Michael McIntosh connected with Jar Jar, a union bringing joy to them both.
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“Annabelle and I are best buddies. She is the reason I get out of bed everyday. She gives me unconditional love and companionship and reminds me that it is a joy to be alive.
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Bella has fit in like she has been here her whole life. The way she watches my every move is so sweet. She acts so much like the Bella we lost last April with the doe eyes and all the tricks she does.
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She bounces, She bounds She runs all around Her joy is today - Not what went away From rescue to love She's a gift from above. Thank you so much Pets for Vets
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“It’s hard to come home sometimes” ...I have said those words to so many people in the years since my deployment that I can’t count them.
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I will never be able to fully express to you how much having Mojo means to me. It goes way beyond words. Pets for Vets is one of the best benefits for having served my country.
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Sergeant Michael White proudly served in the United States Army from 1982 – 1994. He started his military service in Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and
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Army Sergeant, Michael, served our country for 7 years. He was deployed to Germany and served a tour in Iraq. While serving in Iraq, an explosion to a nearby vehicle left Michael with invisible scars.
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“I joined the United States Air Force on April 25, 2006 and served for nearly ten years (nine years and eight months) in Dyess AFB, Texas and Ramstein AB, Germany.
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A Chiweenie - I never thought a Chiweenie would be a good fit for a veteran. Nora absolutely fell in love with Lola at the first meeting.
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Meet Chris, a decorated Army veteran of 17 years who is a two-time recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. He retired after sustaining multiple broken bones and a broken back as the result of a life threatening parachute malfunction.
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While serving with the U.S. Marine Corps from July 1973 to June of 1975, Lance Corporal Thomas Manley was deployed to both Vietnam and Cambodia where he assisted with the evacuations of the U.S. embassies in those countries.
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When the Charleston chapter of Pets for Vets matched Veteran Todd Wooten with his new animal companion, Emma, it was big news! So big that The Moultrie News covered the match. An excerpt is below and you can read the full article here.
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First and foremost, I want to thank everyone at Pets for Vets for finding and placing my new best friend, Trexten. This first month with him, to say the least, has been awesome!
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Eddy is in his 21st year of service, with three tours overseas in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait. He pulled security at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta and
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The ROAR-Ridgefield chapter of Pets for Vets was thrilled to match Martha, a Navy Veteran who served in the Vietnam War, with her new best friend, SweetPea.
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Gage is from Oakhurst, Texas. While Gage may look young, after you meet him, it is easy to tell that he is wise beyond his years. He is soft spoken but speaks his mind. He is funny and sincere.
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Octavius has served his country in the Army for over twenty years. On a deployment to Afghanistan a few years ago, while working as a helicopter crew chief, Octavius suffered traumatic brain injury and an injury to his left arm that has made his left hand nearly useless.
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Pepper is a fantastic dog! She has a personality that is fun to be around. She listens well and plays well. Pets for Vets did a fantastic job with her training.
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Richard is a true hero. After serving in the Cold War and returning home, Richard was an EMT for many years. In 1995, the Oklahoma City Bombing occurred.
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Oscar spent several years in the Navy, including serving our country in Iraq. With his wife Rebecca, son Jayden, baby Noah and his mom, he lives in a lovely home.
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Tammy served in the U.S. Army for eight years, including a tour in the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm. Her overseas deployment included many nights sleeping in an Army tent
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MacArthur (“Mac”) Reed is a proud veteran of the war in Vietnam. Mac’s living room has a bookcase lined with the mementos that mean the most to him. Among those are pictures of his family and the many medals he was awarded for his exemplary service in Vietnam.
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LaShonda Johnson served in the Marine Corps for over eight years. During that time, she was twice deployed to Iraq: once in 2007 during Operation Iraqi Freedom and again in 2012 during Operation Enduring Freedom.
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Without Pets for Vets, I would not have Gunner. In the short time I've had Gunner I have had no nightmares and can sleep through the night.
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Introducing HET, our most recent match. He’s a small dog with a big name and a big personality to match. Our most recent veteran had been looking for a companion pet for several years.
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Aldaberto served six years in the 4th Army Regiment and was stationed in Korea, among other locations. He received many medals and commendations for his service.
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Daniel is an Army veteran who served in Iraq, and currently works for a precision aerospace fastener company. He and his wife, Jennifer, along with their two boys, will soon be moving to a new house in Willis, Texas.
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George is a Marine Corporal who was looking for a companion dog to help with the emotional injuries he sustained during his time in Iraq. Trinity is a lab mix who
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Amy is a retired Air Force Staff Sergeant who served her country for 12 years. While trying to help herself heal from her anxiety attacks and PTSD, she learned about Pets for Vets from her local VA Center and immediately reached out to the Portland Maine Chapter.
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Tank coming into my life has been so amazing. I can't believe how fast we connected. It's like he knew exactly what he needed to do.
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I'm a Marine from Vietnam days. Lately my life has been going rather tough. My dog died last summer and I have been really lonely. My friend, Paul, told me about Pets for Vets and helped me apply.
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I found out my dog's name a little before Pets for Vets brought him to me. I couldn't wait to meet Quincy. He came home early December and at first he was like any other dog wanting to see this new place.
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Meet Veteran Matthew and his new companion Laela, a brindle boxer mix. Matthew approached Pets for Vets to find a companion dog to help him deal with PTSD and anxiety issues.
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Corporal Hanks was struggling to deal with PTSD, anxiety, depression, TBI, and physical injuries after his deployment to Iraq as a Marine.
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Watching the events of 9/11 inspired Casey to join the military. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom from 2003 to 2006 as a Navy Marine Ordinance Specialist on the Kitty Hawk.
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The NYC-Long Island chapter of Pets for Vets recently welcomed two new members to its family. U.S. Army Veteran Lecia and her new dog, Binky, are a match made in heaven.
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Thank You, Pets for Vets! My name is Michael Mastriana and I would like to express my gratitude and joy that the Columbus Chapter of Pets for Vets has given me.
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I am a US Army Veteran and served in Korea from 1960 - 1962. I have worked all over the country and it wasn't until I retired and we lost our dog to old age that my wife and I began to realize how much our dog had meant to us.
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After serving in the Army for seven years, James had extensive physical injuries and was diagnosed with PTSD. His anxiety made it difficult to sleep or go out in public, especially with a crowd.
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John, who served in the Marines, and his Pets for Vets dog, Tag, lead an active Colorado lifestyle – camping, hiking and visiting the park. Even when they’re not on a new adventure, Tag has a big yard to play in with two other dog friends who belong to some of Tag’s human friends.
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This handsome pup was found at the Tehama shelter in Red Bluff by Stacy, a Pets for Vets volunteer trainer. Her veteran wanted a dog he could take everywhere he went, who would get along with his goats and wouldn’t chase his chickens.
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Meet Russ and Tink. Russ is a Staff Sergeant in the Army who served in OIF (06-07 and 2011) and is currently in the Reserves. Tink is a 2-year-old terrier mix from Texas.
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Dusty was born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas and resides in Dallas, Texas. Dusty served 6 years in the Air Force and spent a few years in Baghdad working as a contractor.
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Keli started her military career by joining ROTC while in college. She rose to the rank of Army Major and served in Iraq. Everything pointed to a long and brilliant military career, until events plunged her into PTSD.
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Shadow has been doing absolutely amazing! Our favorite thing to do with her is playing fetch. She loves playing with all of her toys. She has been doing really well with staying inside her yard boundaries and goes into her kennel when she's told.
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My name is Teri Montgomery and this is Tucker. I want to tell you how grateful I am to Pets for Vets for bringing Tucker into my life.
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My dog, Mattie, was presented to me from Pets for Vets, Southwest Indiana. She provides moral support, friendship and a social bond for me; I also provide the same for her in return.
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We are thrilled to announce that we are ending 2013 with our first veteran match. Xochitl is a small shepherd mix who came to us from the Colusa County Animal shelter.
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Darryl R. Harrigan, a Vietnam-era veteran was matched with Cindy, a Cockapoo, through the Los Angeles chapter of Pets for Vets. He has written the following open letter to fellow Veterans:
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Charlton Johnson is a former Marine who suffers from severe PTSD and depression. After contacting Pets for Vets, Charlton met with Didi Tulloch and Mary Jo Duffy to discuss his needs, lifestyle and expectations so that they could find him the perfect match.
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David Mock is a sweet and gracious man from Kentucky who enlisted in the Navy and served in the Lebanon conflict in 1979. When David returned home, he suffered a terrible tragedy.
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It is common to wonder what stories shelter dogs could tell us if they were able. At Pets for Vets, we would love to know Alice’s story.
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My name is Cherish and I am the recipient of a Pets for Vets dog named Teddy. He has been with me for about three weeks and been an absolute joy.
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I'm the recipient of a Pets for Vets companion dog, Cheyenne. I'm amazed by the time and effort they put into finding the perfect companion for me.
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"My name is Jonathan "Doc" Farrow. Doc was the name given to me, and to many other U.S. Navy Corpsman and medics, in service to those who fight and die on the battlefield.
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Unlike most of her breed, Jordy is quite the chill and mellow Border Collie who lets out her playful side when her human needs it.
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Tucker is an easy going guy who wants to meet everyone he sees. We think this handsome English lab was abandoned when it became obvious that he was no hunting dog.
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When military Veteran Chris reached out to the Denver chapter of Pets for Vets, he saved Chance’s life – literally! The dog was adopted for Chris just a day before he was scheduled to be euthanized.
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Donald, also known as DJ, is from Michigan. DJ entered the Army in 2003 and left in 2011. He was an MP and for five years worked in the K-9 unit. DJ was deployed to Iraq and earned multiple medals for his service there.
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Pets for Vets from Southwest Indiana was exceptional in the way they listened to my needs and delivered over what was expected. Sugar and I get along great, we take walks twice a day, she is an excellent friend that I truly needed.
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I was completely shocked to learn at a VA event that there was such thing as Pets for Vets. The process for applying for a pet was simple and straightforward.
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Staff Sergeant Nicholas Morgan served in the United States Army for six years as a military Intelligence Analyst and paratrooper. After completing his first four years of service, Nick left the Army to start a career in commercial insurance.
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Abbi is an active duty Air Force Major who has served several tours and struggles daily with her PTSD. She sought out Pets for Vets to find a perfect rescue
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In 2014, the Cape Fear chapter of Pets for Vets made its first match when a lovable Redbone Hound mix was placed with a Veteran who suffers from PTSD.
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You would think that a dog is just a dog. That may be true for some, but not me. Before Samson, I was living in fear. Scared of things of the past, present and even future.
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Jerry has been matched with his new companion, a young lab named Murphy. Jerry and Murphy recently attended an employee meeting at PayChex, in Auburn, Maine, where they were a big hit.
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Having Maverick come into my life has been a godsend for me. I know every time I open the door to my apartment I'm going to get a warm greeting and an offer to play.
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Since Darryl, an Iraqi-era veteran, was matched with his dog Winston, the two have been regularly seen exploring local neighborhoods on their daily walks together.
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Pets for Vets is excited to announce that we have completed our first match for a veteran in Red Bluff. He is the father of two small children, who wanted a companion that would help him return to some of the activities he enjoyed prior to his service.
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When I first got Teddy from Pets for Vets, my brother asked, "What is the Pets for Vets? I'm seeing this organization everywhere."
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Pets for Vets, My name is Eric Evitts. I would like to just take a moment to thank each and every single member that is part of Pets for Vets.
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Stephen Pipkin served in the Air Force for seven years. He recently moved to Las Vegas from Los Angeles and had been feeling quite lonely.
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Neil Cunningham has always been a scrappy guy. Born in Queens, New York in 1944, he has never taken lip from anyone. But when Neil got out of the Coast Guard after serving in Vietnam, he needed help.
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Doug, a retired Sergeant of the US Army, was looking for a friendly, affectionate animal companion. Peter, a beautiful, outgoing cat who had come into the shelter as a stray, was looking for a forever home.
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Deamonte Hatcher helped comfort many soldiers during her time as a Medical Corporal in the U.S. Army. Now, after serving others for eleven years, it was Deamonte’s turn to be comforted.
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Ernie Baker joined the Marines eight days before 9/11. He completed two tours in Iraq. Like many of our returning veterans, he suffers from PTSD. Pets for Vets has paired him with Valor is a rescue dog, a two-year old Belgian Malinois.
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Pets for Vets – New Hampshire Chapter is proud to announce our first veteran-pet match with our amazing veteran, John, and his new forever friend, Marty!
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The Portland, Maine chapter of Pets for Vets was excited to match Alan with his new animal companion, Eddie. Because of Eddie’s playful nature, he keeps Alan busy with lots of games of tug and fetch.
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Meet Lyle and Miss Marley. Lyle is a veteran of Vietnam. For his brave service to our country, he was awarded the Purple Heart and a Silver Star.
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War can take its toll on people, and after serving the U.S. Army for six years, it was taking its toll on Austin Lemieux. After serving in some of the most
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Bob, a Veteran who served in both Vietnam and Cambodia, has been having a great time with his Maggie, a Pointer mix who was trained for him by Pets for Vets, Portland, Maine.
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We here at Pets for Vets Washington have started the year off with a bang! Our first match was on January 17, with a very deserving Purple Heart award winning veteran. Here is his story:
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We placed two bunnies with a veteran on New Year’s Day. Erica is so excited. The bunnies came from West Michigan Humane Society, are both spayed females and are living inside Erica’s apartment in their new bunny haven.
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We are very happy to announce that we are ringing in 2014 with another adoption. On January 3rd, Ahe’a, our American Bulldog rescue, went to her forever home.
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On June 1, Pets for Vets Wisconsin placed Buddy, a red Cocker Spaniel/Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix, with Bill, who served our country in Vietnam.
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Jesse and Jeremiah were the first match made by the Portland, Maine chapter of Pets for Vets. We loved getting this update from Jesse: “Jeremiah is fantastic!
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Infantryman Charles VanDrunen entered the Army in 1971 as one man and returned home a different man. His service in Vietnam exposed him to the harsh and brutal conditions of war, jungle fighting and Agent Orange.
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Staff Sergeant Jose Pila returned from tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom suffering from PTSD, TBI and physical injuries.
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Specialist Steven Mangiameli’s life changed the day he found a Pets for Vets brochure at the VA. Ten years in the Army left him with depression, anxiety and a debilitating sense of loneliness.
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Eighteen years after serving in Operation Urgent Fury in Granada, Specialist Corey Weber was still plagued by the ill effects of PTSD.
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Blade Antony served as a medic in the Marine Corp. During his tour it was his job to save the lives of his brothers and sisters-in-arms.
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David is a Corporal in the Marine Corps and a veteran of two Iraq tours. David joined the Marines prior to September 11, 2001. He was part of the initial invasion
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Sargent David Yager has faithfully served 17 years in the U.S. Army and he remains on active reserve. He has seen several tours of duty, including tours in Afghanistan.
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Jeff Ehrhart will always remember his days spent in the Triton Class U. S. Submarine. Well, at least some of them. During his Naval deployment, Jeff sustained a serious head wound and spent 45 days in a coma.
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Retired Navy man, Tom Plaska, is a man who likes to eat well. He spent 4 years in the Navy as a cook where he learned his way around a kitchen.
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When Bobby met Carl, it was love at first sight. Bobby is a staff sergeant and a veteran of four Iraq tours, one in Kuwait and one in Afghanistan.
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Lenny, a Veteran of the Korean War who suffers from PTSD, reached out to the DC chapter of Pets for Vets to help him find an animal companion that would ease his loneliness.
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Pets for Vets is honored to thank Sergeant David Mills for his service by introducing him to his forever companion “Charlie” for the first time.
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Sergeant Sam Montoya joined the United States Marine Corp at the age of 17. During his time in service, he was stationed in Vietnam and participated in the Tet Offensive.
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This is Gunther at The Korean War Memorial. He and his Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran, Michael Kadlek, are doing great! Gunther was rescued from The Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue in Kent City, Michigan.
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United States Army veteran Specialist Leif Meisinger suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and many other physical and emotional injuries from his tour in Iraq.
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Sergeant Doraliza has served 12 years in the United States Army including serving in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
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I met Davis in the Occupational Therapy room at the VA Long Beach. When he met my dog, Bear, he told me how much a dog of his own would enhance his life.
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Veterans’ Day is for celebrating the sacrifices our troops have made for this country, but on this Veterans’ Day it brought together an American hero and his forever companion, Nugget.
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E-4 Tommanee “Red” McKinney served in the Air Force during the Gulf War. She was a job database manager and analyst for in-flight refueling.
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Alex served in the Army from 1989 to 1992 and was stationed in Germany when the Berlin wall came down. He suffered a spinal cord injury after falling from a four-story roof, which left him a partial quadriplegic.
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Conventional treatment was not helping Sergeant Renteria deal with his symptoms of PTSD and TBI after his deployment to Iraq as an infantry soldier.
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Pets for Vets was asked to take care of veteran Mark’s dog, Barker, while Mark was being treated at the VA Long Beach. Mark was terrified that he would lose his best friend.
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Gasper was a Sergeant in the Army during the Vietnam War. As a result of his time in service, Gasper has suffered with PTSD, depression and anxiety.
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Introducing Steve and Whiskers who were matched on New Years Day 2016! Steve was a member of the Army and Whiskers came to Maine from Mississippi.
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The chapter recently matched Vickie Hart, a U.S. Army Sergeant Veteran, and her new companion, a cat named Sydney. The Veteran wanted a calm, affectionate indoor cat to cuddle and keep her company at her residence.
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The Cape Fear Chapter is proud to announce a new match just before Christmas 2017! Fidel served in the Marines attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and is also a combat Veteran.
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U.S. Army Lt. Col. Bill and his wife Martha recently became the proud parents of Kylie, a young yellow Labrador Retriever mix. Kylie's the epitome of a loving "therapy dog":
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Sgt. Daniel Pope served in the United States Army and spent 4 years in Vietnam in a Recon Unit, experiencing several intense fire fights. Upon returning home, he often had moments of high anxiety and bouts of anger.
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Army Sergeant Thomas “Asa” Thurman served in the United States Army from February 2006 to April 2015 and spent much of that time in the Iraq War. Upon returning from duty, Sgt. Thurman was diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, depression and hearing loss.
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Tsgt Gwen LaViolet joined the Air Force in November of 1999 and retired in February of 2004 from the 442nd Maintenance Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
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Richard served in the Army as a Specialist during Operation Enduring Freedom. He received many ribbons and medals throughout his service. After returning home Richard suffered from PTSD, TBI, Depression and Anxiety.
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My name is Christopher Myers SSG Ret. I was medically retired from the Army in 2015. I found myself struggling to adjust to regular life outside of the military.
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When he lost his beloved dog of 15 years, Allen J. Ghimenti began looking for a new companion to go on walks with him and help him lose weight.
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The moment that Aaron Mallory, a Marine Corps Veteran, met Rubi, a 2-year-old retriever mix, it was clear that the two were a perfect match. But that moment didn’t just happen overnight.
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At Pets for Vets, we believe that there is a perfect animal companion for every Veteran. Nowhere is this more evident than the match that was made between Steve DePalma, an Army Veteran, and Mia, a Belgian Malinois.
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After retiring as a master sergeant following a 20-year career with the Air Force, Chris Stagner spent one year working for the Air Force as a civilian before pursuing a BA in English in order to become a high school teacher.
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