RJ and Hero

In 2010, Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran RJ, a dedicated advocate for the Veteran community, posted to his Facebook group every single day for months on end, to help a total stranger win a grant for her brand-new nonprofit. Thanks to RJ’s help, that nonprofit, Pets for Vets, secured $50,000 from Pepsi, which allowed it to begin a nationwide expansion.

Fifteen years later, RJ needed help himself. After being honorably discharged as a U.S. Army Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Specialist, he struggled with post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and physical injuries. RJ realized that a service dog was just what he needed to help ease his challenges. And he knew exactly where to turn: to Pets for Vets, the very organization he had helped years ago. RJ became friends with founder and CEO Clarissa Black in 2010, when they discovered they both lived in the Los Angeles area at the time.

“Having known RJ for so long, I knew he would be a great pet parent. And I was thrilled to be able to help someone who was kind enough to help a complete stranger all those years ago, because he believed in my Veteran-focused mission,” said Clarissa.

Clarissa paired him with Hero, a wheaten terrier/poodle cross, whose emotionally intuitive nature matched RJ’s desire for a sensitive and intuitive dog who could help pull him out of his head when he felt overwhelmed.

“The military taught me how to operate under extreme pressure, but nothing fully prepared me for the transition back home,” said RJ, who had served with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (Airborne) during the critical “Surge Phase” of Operation Iraqi Freedom from July 2007 to August 2008.

Once back in civilian life, RJ confronted the harsh realities facing many returning service members: increased unemployment, difficult transitions into careers, and under-treated cases of post-traumatic stress. Hero, whom he adopted in the summer of 2025, has since become a “vital companion” for RJ and helps him cope with those struggles.

Hero’s love of physical connection and his ability to match the energy of those around him fit RJ’s desire for a playful buddy to provide physical affection and calm relaxation. Both dog and Veteran enjoy the physical connection that petting provides and Hero has become a best friend, and cherished family member.

“Having Hero join our family has been a true blessing. Pets for Vets was incredibly helpful every step of the way, and Hero was a perfect match for me,” said RJ. “They have stayed in contact with us, and continue to support us every day.”