Where did you serve and what did you do?

I was assigned to VA-196, we were stationed at NAS Whidbey Island. During my service we deployed on the USS Enterprise, CVN 65 on two WESTPAC tours. The first cruise I was assigned to Maintenance Control and my responsibilities included making sure that all the issues with the aircraft we resolved before taking off. My second deployment I was assigned to Quality Assurance checking that all reported repairs were completed accurately.

Tell us how your dog is helping you continue Still Serving in your community.

The night before Veteran’s Day 2023 I got a call from a rescue group asking me if I would rescue and adopt a 4 years old Pomeranian from a puppy mill that was being closed for animal cruelty by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. I told the representative that I had just lost a Pomeranian and was still in the grieving process. She told me things didn’t look good for him and that he would probably be euthanized in a day or two. I told her that I would drive the 300 mile round trip first thing on the morning. When I arrived the owner shoved a poor half bald Pomeranian who was covered in ticks and fleas and had heartworms, The first Veterinarian that I brought him to told me to put him down. I told him to go some place that was really hot all the time. Kody didn’t have a name when I got him, he shook like a leaf and was scared of all humans. I just showered the poor little guy with love and he made a remarkable recovery. After I saved him he saved me. On my 66th birthday I had to leave my residence of 12 years because of a severe mold infestation. The mold had made me critically ill and I was too sick and didn’t have time to find a place to live. Kody and I bounced around from one extended stay motel to the next. I got ripped off, hit by a car and too many other traumas to list. I was in constant pain which exacerbated my anxiety caused from PTSD. If it hadn’t been for Kody and Bill Prost from VFW Post 4055 I probably wouldn’t have survived. Kody and I are now in the process of implementing Project Gimme Shelter. This will be an organization dedicated to helping abandoned and abused Veterans and dogs by providing a safe and nurturing environment for both. The Project envisions creating a community with Tiny Homes for homeless Veterans and a large dog park with shelters for abused and abandoned dogs. Bill Prost has been extremely encouraging and helpful in helping me turn this vision into reality. I can honestly say that there’s not a happier dog than Kody in the world.

Why do you do it?

I have always helped homeless people because that’s the way my dad raised me. He was a Marine Fighter pilot and then commercial airline pilot who had more compassion for human beings and dogs of anyone I have ever met, He always helped the less advantaged and never even talked about it. I realized that I could make a more significant dent in human and animal suffering by implementing this project than helping one or two Veterans or dogs at a time.