Sam and Chance

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.

Sam suffers from nightmares due to traumatic events he experienced during the Vietnam War. Sam explained “Noises at night startle me, I need a companion dog to help me through these bouts. If the dog is not startled, then I won’t be worried or paranoid and I will be able to sleep better”.

Chance is a one-year-old Golden Retriever who was rescued from a local shelter. His training included basic obedience with special attention to loose leash walking, potty training, socialization and becoming comfortable in new environments. Pets for Vets helped Chance gain confidence, and pretty soon he was trotting with assurance around the pet store holding a new toy in his mouth.

Sam is looking forward to going on long walks around the lake, exploring and going to the dog beach with Chance.

In the past, Sam isolated himself from the world around him and felt lonely, he knows that this will change with the help and unconditional love of his Pets for Vets companion dog Chance.