St. Tammany Humane Society joins Pets for Patriots Pet Adoption Program for Veterans Partners with nationwide charity to give shelter dogs and cats a second chance at life with veterans and service members

 

St. Tammany Humane Society in Covington, Louisiana has partnered with Pets for Patriots, Inc., a not-for-profit that connects last-chance shelter pets with our country's loyal service men and women, to increase the adoption of adult and other at-risk homeless pets by veteran and service members of the United States military.

In spite of the demonstrated emotional and physical benefits of companion pets, more dogs and cats are killed each year than the populations of Alaska, Delaware, Montana, North Dakota and Vermont combined. Working with Pets for Patriots, St. Tammany Humane Society gives local veterans, service members and their families the gift of unconditional friendship and love while providing millions of dogs and cats a second chance at life.

“Working with Pets for Patriots, we hope to motivate our local veterans and service members to give these animals a loving home. This will help us place more hard-to-adopt pets with good people who need or want a companion pet, and save these innocent animals from becoming permanent shelter residents,” says Executive Director Vicky Kreeger.
Individuals are welcome from all United States armed forces and at any stage of their careers. Eligible pets must meet one of three criteria: dog or cat two years or older, dog over 40 pounds regardless of age, or a special needs dog or cat.

Joining Pets for Patriots is entirely free to veterans, though they are responsible for St. Tammany Humane Society’s adoption fee. To reduce the chance that these pets are surrendered, the charity sends a $150 gift card upon proof of eligible adoption to help with food and other essentials, and provides access to local veterinary partners who agree to offer ongoing discounted care.

 “Our goal is to help our adoption partners re-home harder-to-place pets that still have years of love and life to give,” says Beth Zimmerman, founder and executive director of Pets for Patriots, "while at the same time making it more affordable for military personnel to bring a pet into their lives. We’re delighted to work with the St. Tammany Humane Society to give these last-chance pets a second chance at life and, in so doing, to enhance the lives of veterans in the community. Everybody wins.”

 St. Tammany Humane Society quickly saw the potential to find hard-to-adopt dogs and cats permanent homes with service members. “We are able to place about 900 pets each year,” says Executive Director Vicky Kreeger. “Through our partnership with Pets for Patriots, we hope to provide forever homes to even more loving animals with the many service members and veterans in our area.”

Individuals must first apply through Pets for Patriots and provide proof of their military service or honorable discharge. Approval typically takes one to two business days, after which they can visit St. Tammany Humane Society for assistance in choosing their new best friend.

Adopters through the Pets for Patriots program also receive 15% off of vet services through the St. Tammany Humane Society vet clinic for their adopted pet, and one free night of boarding with Willow’s Oak Pet Lodge in Madisonville (minimum 2 night stay).

 

About Pets for Patriots

Pets for Patriots, Inc., is a registered 501(c)(3) charity that helps military members honorably adopt adult and at-risk shelter pets. Its mission is to consistently give the gifts of fidelity, joy and companionship to both pet and person.  Pets for Patriots is one of the only organizations in the country dedicated to both adult pets and military members. The charity is a proud member of the Army AW2 Wounded Warrior Program national community support network, a national partner of the Real Warriors Campaign and is listed by the National Resource Directory for ill and wounded veterans. Visit www.petsforpatriots.org for more information.

 

Cayenne: Smart with a Heart

I first met Terrie Varnado about 2 years ago when there were wires crossed in the STHS transport program.  Something to do with too many dogs on a plane headed north.......and boy, looking  back, I did not then realize what an understatement that was!  There are times in life when you know, without question, the sincerity, tenacity, and unyielding honesty of a person by the mere tone of their voice or hard glint in their eye.  This is Terrie.  She has since been an integral and instrumental part of the STHS transport program "Waggin' Wheels," doing the tough and dirty rescue work that requires an old soul and new rugs every 3 -4 weeks!
Here is the story of Cayenne, who was rescued by Terrie, and is now in our adoption program at STHS.  His story, written by Terrie:

"Cayenne is a special guy that has been treated very badly and neglected in his life.  I was called in on a divorce/neglect case with three dogs on chains, one with no shelter.  Cayenne was very thin and had dug holes in the yard to catch rain water for drinking.  He had no shelter what-so-ever and was living in a muddy mess. He just ran around the tree all day long.  They fed him if they felt like it, when they happened to have food. I got permission from the owner to feed and water him, and I brought over a Dog-loo for his shelter.  Then I began to search for a new home, or a rescue, to take the animals.  I found rescue for one of the other dogs and a blind horse (that was skin and bones) on the property.  The family refused to give up one of the dogs.  Now, Cayenne is searching for his furever home.  He needs our help to find that special family that will give him love, take care of him properly, while teaching him with patience. 

Cayenne is a very sweet guy and is being held in a temporary foster home.  He is living on an enclosed porch with a doggie door. He is about 5 years old and looks to be a Catahoula /mix.  He weighs about 70 lbs.  He is very smart and knows basic commands... no, sit, lay, shake and he walks well on a leash. He loves his walks and attention!!!  He may try to jump up sometimes, but listens when you correct him.  I do not believe that he has ever stepped foot inside a home, so he would definitely have to be housebroken, or have an enclosed patio to live on.  Since he has lived his life on a chain, he doesn't know proper behavior.  He can tend to get a little rambuncious and knock things over.....ooops!  He barks when it is thundering (due to being chained out in storms for so long, I'm sure) and to alert you when someone is coming to your home. He is very friendly, non-agressive, loves everyone, and greets you with a wagging tail.

Do you have room in your heart and your home for Cayenne?  This poor guy deserves to know what it is like to be loved and cared for in his lifetime."

Thank you, Terrie...for all that you do for the dogs!  And if anyone is interested in adopting Cayenne, contact Terrie Varnado (varnado1@bellsouth.net) for more information on Cayenne's personality and Janie Valle (Janie@sthumane.org) for more information about the adoption process at STHS.