P2V Photo: SSGT Hunter, his family and Parker

Congratulations to SSGT Hunter, his family and Parker!

SSGT Hunter is two-time Iraqi and three-time Operation Enduring Freedom War Veteran (Afghanistan and Pakistan). Upon his return home, he noticed a change in his attitude towards his family, friends and most importantly, himself! This combined with nightmares and uncontrollable outbursts, led him to be diagnosed by both Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Hospital with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Deep Depression.

Parker came to The League in July 2010. He is a three-year old Border Collie mix that was found in an abondoned house and then transported to The League for a second chance.

SSGT Hunter says: “This dog is awesome – I know he is the one! He loves and follows me everywhere I go, he is already taking to our kids, too. Parker is a blessing in my life so that I can be an addition to society again where I thought there was no chance. Thank you so much P2V, thank you!”

SSGT Williams and Warren

Congratulations to SSGT Williams and Warren!

SSGT Williams is a retired U.S. Army Soldier who has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by the Washington, D.C. Veterans Affairs Hospital.

Warren is 13-year old Shepard Mix that came from the Washington Animal Rescue League several months ago.

SSGT Williams says: “Warren is so special to me already! I take him to work, to school some times, well, pretty much everywhere I go. He helps me feel safe again and comforts me when no one else really could. I know he’s truly looking out for me!”

Memphis, Mrs. Corbino and Firefigher Corbino

Congratulations to Firefighter Corbino and Memphis!

Firefighter Corbino answers the call to ensure our safety every day by serving our country as a firefighter for the Arlington County Fire Department (ACFD).

Memphis is an eight-month black lab mix who was turned in to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) by two previous owners due to their moving into a home that doesn’t allow pets.

Firefighter Corbino says: “We (my wife and I) are so excited and appreciative for P2V doing this! Memphis is a really fantastic dog and I know he will help me from a hard day at work because the few moments I have already spent with him are making me feel better. I also know that there are many other firefighters out there that could benefit from P2V’s help.”

P2V Photo: SGT Moore and Zoey

Congratulations to SGT Moore and Zoey!

SGT Moore is two-time Iraqi War Veteran (Infantryman). Upon his return home, he noticed a change in his personality, horrible sleeping habits, mentality frustrated and had a lot of agression and anxiety towards family, friends but most importantly, himself. After the support of his family, only then did he decide to seek help at the Annapolis Vet Center under the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) – where his counselor, Steve helped him through so much and is still helping him today.

Zoey came to The League in June 2010. She is a one year old Black Lab mix that was surrendered by her owner because no pets were allowed where they were living.

SGT Moore says: “Zoey is great man! She keeps me active and focused on taking care of her because she is taking care of me. I knew getting a dog would help me with my problems and she most definitely is. Thanks so much!”

P2V Photo

Congratulations to SGT Caceres, his family and Mimi!

SGT Caceres served as a Combat Engineer during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He, like many of our brave men and women, has been diagnosed with having PTSD and TBI from his injuries sustained during his tour in Iraq.

Mimi came to The League in June 2010. She is a three month old Shepherd mix that came from a Shelter in Ohio through PetSmart’s “Rescue Waggin”.

SGT Caceres says: “Mimi is a blessing to our family! She’s still a puppy, and this keeps me very active in focusing on her during my daily struggles I endure from serving in the sandbox. The family and love her dearly!”

P2V Photo

Congratulations to SPC Thomas and Bo!

SPC Thomas is a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient. SPC Thomas sustained life-threatening wounds during a firefight in South Vietnam during the 1960s. Recently, I decided to seek help from the DC VA Hospital – which led to his diagnosis of PTSD and Anxiety Disorder.

Bo is a 6-month old Black Lab mix that came from the Washington Animal Rescue League earlier this month (June) from a hoarding situation Mississippi.

SPC Thomas says: “I love my new puppy! He makes me be want to be part of society – I have to take him on walks and when I do, people always approach me wanting to pet him and ask all about my Bo – this helps me be more social. Also, living alone before was hard on me but now I have Bo to talk to about my nightmares from what haunted me before. He heals me and I know I’m healing him…I see it in his eyes and the love he gives me. He makes me feel good about myself because I know he will always love me for me!”

CPL Ryder and Max

Congratulations to CPL Ryder and Max!

CPL Ryder is a U.S. Marine turned U.S. Army National Guardsman, Purple Heart Recepient and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Veteran. While on patrol, CPL Ryder was struck by another car in Afghanistan during July 2009 while pursuing (on foot) insurgents who were firing on his patrol. CPL Ryder is currently being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) for his hip, knee, mulitiple shunts and an Anxiety Disorder – all injuries sustained from his service in Afghanistan.

Max is an 11 month Yorkshire Terrier mix that was surrendered to a local shelter in Washington, D.C.

CPL Ryder says: “I have been alone in my room for almost a year now. I needed someone to keep me company and I knew P2V could help with finding the right companion animal for me. I’m so blessed to have ran into P2V at another shelter that day – now I have someone to keep me company and help me calm my nerves.”

SFC Kille and Family

Congratulations to SFC Kille and QB!

SFC Kille is a three-time Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veteran. Due to multiple explosions that have left him with limited memory (TBI), limited social abilities/ anxiety in public (hyper awareness) and uncontrollable spurts of anger (PTSD), SFC Kille knew that a loving pet would help him in significantly reducing these symptoms.

QB is an eight-month old Hound/Shepherd mix that came to the League from a shelter in West Virgina.

SFC Kille says: “I knew that having a pet that is always by my side would help me in dealing with the changes I would like to make, e.g., being able to go places by myself without having to take a family member. My goal is to be “normal” as possible again and I know QB will do this for me.”

PFC Wade and Scout

Congratulations to PFC Wade and Scout!

PFC Wade is a Vietnam Veteran who served as Military Police. During his tenure in the military while serving our country, PFC Wade endured several stressful incidents which led him to extreme substance and drug abuse – result was losing his family and friends. However, PFC Wade finally made a significant change in his life when he made the decision to check himself into the Washington, D.C. Veterans Affairs Hospital in 2008 where he was later diagnosed with having PTSD and Severe Depression.

Scout is a four year old Chihuahua mix. He came to the League in Washington, D.C. from Mississippi due to a hoarding situation. Scout was one of 70 dogs that the League took in from a rescue group that went out of business. Scout had mange and was very timid when he first came into the League but they treated his emotional and physical traumas for PFC Wade to be his companion animal.

PFC Wade says: “I always heard that people with pets live longer – now I know this to be true! I look forward to loving Scout and he has already loved me even more. Scout has given me a way to force myself to go outside and interact with strangers, something I would never do before having Scout with me.”

The Chapin Family (Jake included)

Congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Chapin, his wife, two sons and Jake!

LTC Chapin is a retired U.S. Army Social Work Officer after 28 years of serving his country. He is a veteran of the Cold War, Desert Storm, Bosnia, OEF and OIF eras. LTC Chapin has continued to serve his country by counseling fellow veterans of past and current wars, working as a Team Lead at the Annapolis Vet Center in Maryland. In addition, Mrs. Chapin (ret. LTC, U.S. Army) is a combat veteran who deployed to Iraq in 2005 and ran the mental health operation in Al-Nasiriya at Tallil Air Base in Southern Iraq with the 98th Combat Stress Control Detachment, part of the 86th Combat Suppport Hospital.

Jake was sent to the League by another D.C. Shelter a few weeks ago after found roaming the streets of Washington, D.C. all alone. Jake’s service will not only help the Chapin Family as LTC Chapin plans on making Jake a therapy animal to aid OEF/ OIF Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and similar symptoms facing our heroes at the Annapolis Vet Center.

LTC Chapin says: “Jake is a wonderful addition to our family but I have big plans for him, much of which I know Jake can provide by helping troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq who need some comfort in their lives besides medications and doctors. I know Jake can provide that comfort as he has helped my family overnight.”

SSGT Fasnacht, Sapper, his son and wife

Congratulations to SSGT Fasnacht, his wife Jessica and their 3 year old son, Blake.

SSGT Fasnacht is a Combat Engineer residing at off-base housing while attending Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) for his rehabilitation. He was in Afghanistan conducting Route Clearance when his vehicle was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) (his second time that day). He sustained injuries of broken ankles (both of them), two compression fractures to his spine, Pre and Post-Blast Amnesia, shrapnel laceration to upper lip and many more. SSGT Fasnacht is a two-time purple heart recipient.

Sapper is a 10-month old Cattle Dog Mix that came from the Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) – he has been at WARL for quite some time now, but he now has a loving home as he is now part of the Fasnacht Family.

SSGT Fasnacht says: “Sapper is perfect! He’s so great with the family and he keeps me active by going on walks and runs during a short distance. He is helping me gain my strength in my mind and body from the blast I endured…God Bless you PETS2VETS!”

SGT Feisal and Coco

Congratulations to SGT Feisal and Coco!

SGT Feisal was diagnosed with PTSD and Depression by the DC Veterans Affairs Hospital while serving in the country of Lebanon. SGT Feisal endured sexual traumas and weekly physical and mental assaults from her ex husband while serving this great Nation.

Coco is a two year old miniature poodle who was found roaming the streets of Washington D.C. who was turned in to a local DC area shelter.

SGT Feisal says: “Now I know what Dave (P2V Founder) meant. Having met Coco and spending my first few minutes with her has changed my life already…she follows me wherever I go! She is a true blessing to me and I know she’s my baby and I’m her savior.”