“Thank you for your service.”

It’s something many of us think and say when we see or meet a veteran, and not at all far off from the gratitude we feel for our beloved dogs, who love us and our families so loyally and freely, some of them (service dogs!) serving literally, as well.

And though their presence in our lives is worth the pain we feel when we must say goodbye, the hurt and loss is very real.

So it was for Joseph, an Army veteran, and his family.

Joseph was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, as an infantryman. He served two combat deployments, one each in Iraq and Afghanistan, during his three-year military career. His service included time as an airborne soldier, as well.

Now a civilian, Joseph lives with his family in Baltimore and works for the local Veterans Affairs hospital, continuing his service. When not at work, he spends time with his wife, Kelly, and two children, Madalynn and Maximus.

Not long ago, their family included a dog who, after a long life spent as a wonderful companion, began to slip into seniordom, and ill health. The time had come for them to say goodbye, and it was difficult on Joseph and everyone else in the household. They missed their longtime friend and family member and realized the value a dog brings. It was time to adopt a new pup into their fold.

The combat vet began to look at available pets at the Baltimore Humane Society. Since 2013 the shelter has waived at adoption fees for veterans in our program to help the most overlooked dogs, and cats in their care find loving homes.

It was through the shelter that Joseph learned about Pets for Patriots and their partnership with so many shelters across the U.S.

“I wasn’t aware of [the] program until I went to the shelter and saw a sign posted up,” he says. “I read up on it and realized this was for me.”

The bided their time, waiting for the right dog to come along, and on New Year’s Eve of 2016 – she did!

Milan was more than 8 years old at the time, but Joseph and his family were not deterred – even though they had lost their previous dog to the natural thief of old age. They knew the Italian greyhound/terrier mix had lots of energy and spirit left in her.

So many adopters fail to realize that seniors make such wonderful family members! Mature dogs are among the most overlooked in shelters across the country.

Joseph knew Milan was the right choice for his family. Age was nothing more than a number.

“She’s so gentle and sweet,” he says. “She’s a great friend to have. So loyal.”

Joseph and Milan have even created their own special bond. For many veterans, the love shared with a companion pet is reminiscent of the camaraderie they enjoyed during their military careers.And it does not hurt that the Army veteran and his little charge share a favorite pastime.

“She’s an old timer who likes to sleep. I like to take naps, so that helps.”

Joseph is so happy with how Milan’s adoption turned out that he recommends other veterans who are considering pet adoption do so through Pets for Patriots.

“I would recommend it,” the Army veteran says. “It saved me money. The program allowed me to choose the dog I wanted.”

Every pet is special and it is impossible to replace them when they die. But we can honor their memories by saving another four-legged soul. Joseph and his family did just that. Not only did they save a shelter animal, they gave hope and a home to a senior dog who needed it most. For her part, Milan did not disappoint.

“She’s just great,” Joseph says. “Such an amazing dog.”

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Todd, 8, came to the Leon County Humane Society in Tallahassee, FL, along with seven other dogs from a multi-agency rescue. The dogs had been in a hoarding situation, with dozens of them living in filth. It was horrid. Deceased dogs were discovered in the home, as well.

Sadly, this situation had gone on undetected for years and many of the dogs had experienced little to no positive interaction with people during that time.

Todd is now safe in a foster home, where he is being provided the love, nutrition, and veterinary care that he had previously been denied. Dogs from situations such as these often require more time to find a loving adoptive home, but the folks at LCHS (not to mention Life With Dogs!) believe they are worth the effort.

Thanks to a grant from The Grey Muzzle Organization, his caretakers can give Todd everything he needs.

Todd, say those who know him, is very sweet and laid back. He adores sitting in laps and going on walks. He is shy at first, and warms up to women faster than men, but he seems to do pretty well with other small dogs and cats. He’s house- and crate trained and weighs 13 pounds.

Like all Leon County Humane Society dogs, he is already neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped, and has been tested and found to be free of heartworms. His adoption fee is $250 and LCHS is willing to adopt out of the area.

Check out his full profile here!