In 2012 the Richmond SPCA became an official shelter partner with the Pets for Patriots program, a nationwide network of approved adoption agencies that match military veterans and active-duty service members with shelter animals. The win-win situation gives veterans the medically proven, positive mental and physical benefits of owning a pet, and the animals are given their forever home.
The program matches qualified adopters to qualified cats or dogs that will blend well into their home situation. For cats, the Richmond SPCA provides a free starter kit with litter box, food and water bowl, litter scoop and bag liners, a toy and a cardboard scratcher. Dogs come with a free leash, collar, food and water bowl and toy. Thanks to the generous support of Aarrow Transmissions & Automotive, adoption fees are reduced to $50. Adopters can also use the low-cost veterinary services at the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital.
Former California National Guard member, Tamera Hillard, had no idea about Pets for Patriots when she and her family came to the Richmond SPCA in June to look for a pet. While talking with the adoption staff she mentioned her service, and they told her about the Pets for Patriots program.
While that was a nice surprise, the bigger surprise came when she found her daughter in front of the kennel of an overweight beagle named Gisele (now Essence). Her daughter is afraid of dogs. “She said “look at this dog, she is so cute” and when she did, Essence walked right over and sat by my daughter and they immediately bonded,” said Hillard. “I was really surprised.”
Hillard was also surprised because the family had come in search of a much smaller dog, but once her two other kids saw Essence, they fell in love too. Loaded with pictures the family went back home to convince their father. They came back shortly and made the adoption official.
Hilliard says Essence must have had a previous owner that loved her dearly as she is affectionate and well behaved. “The only time she barks is when she sees a rabbit or to go outside to go to the bathroom or when the girls come home and do not greet her,” said Hillard adding that Essence is fine with large noisy family gatherings, is friendly to everyone she meets and has even slimmed down to a reasonable 32 pounds.
“I told my brother-in-law who just retired from the Army that he needs to look in to Pets for Patriots at Richmond SPCA when they move in to a house,” said Hillard. “It is really a blessing.”
Any current or former military who live within 40-driving miles of the Richmond SPCA can see if they pre-qualify to apply to Pets for Patriots. If your application is accepted you will be asked to provide proof of service or honorable discharge; additional documentation may be required. Once approved by Pets for Patriots you can visit the Richmond SPCA, where the adoption staff will introduce you to eligible dogs and cats. After the adoption is finalized, the Richmond SPCA submits your signed adoption contract to Pets for Patriots, which will send you a $150 gift card to buy food and other essentials for your new companion.
“I had heard about Pets for Patriots but did not know exactly what it was,” said Kelvin Caution, US Army retired who adopted a dog, Zuberi (formerly Mountain Dew) in April of this year. He named the terrier mix Zuberi, which is the Swahili word for “Strong”.
Caution and his girlfriend were randomly looking at the Richmond SPCA when they came across Zuberi, and it was love at first sight. “We were walking through the kennels and he came to the front and he looked at us and his face said “come and get me - I belong with you,” and we got him.” The adoption staff explained Pets for Patriots to Caution, along with the benefits and discounts he would receive.
“I have given him a home and he has given me joy and relaxation,” said Caution adding that Zuberi is now an important part of the family and when he is not at work, Zuberi is by his side with a calm demeanor and affection. “It was a gift from God for me. Just we love him.”
Debbie Rider Allen is a dedicated Richmond SPCA volunteer. To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.
Comments