Sergeant Mills with Charlie

Pets for Vets is honored to thank Sergeant David Mills for his service by introducing him to his forever companion "Charlie" for the first time.

Charlie is a 3 year old female husky adopted from the Carson shelter. She was very depressed in the shelter and her fur was incredibly matted. After a thorough cleaning and de-matting, she went through the Pets for Vets training program to become ready to be with her new dad.  Sergeant Mills served over nine years in the U.S. Army.  As a result of his time in Iraq, David suffers from PTSD, TBI, vertigo and pain from bone spurs.  PTSD has made readjusting to civilian life extremely difficult; David is affected by nightmares and becomes anxious around people.  Charlie has been a huge comfort for David.  She is his constant companion, always staying by his side, which helps Sergeant Mills be more comfortable in crowds as well as easing his vertigo spells.  David is thankful for the bond he has formed with Charlie and loves to take her on walks, play and watch TV together. 


Thank you to Fenix281 for making this match possible!

Pets for Vets is proud to announce the formation of our first chapter in the south west Washington area.  Jim Ballos, a Desert Storm veteran, is enthusiastic about bringing the Pets for Vets program to Washington State.

Jim knows first-hand the benefits of service dogs and therapy dogs.  After returning from the Gulf War with PTSD and other side effects, he rescued Digit, a 10 year old Jack Russell terrier, through his local Humane Society.  Digit has brought a lot of happiness into Jim's life and helped him through the rough patches.

Jim's personal success inspired him to want to become an advocate for pet therapy for all veterans.  He states "I hope every veteran can have a rescue therapy dog in his/her life, the results are amazing".  Jim's excitement has already brought positive attention to the program.

We are delighted to welcome Jim and the Washington State Chapter into the Pets for Vets family!

The Pets for Vets program is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America's veterans who could benefit from having a companion animal.

Veterans in the southern California area with a condition that could benefit from having a companion animal and who are also able to care for an animal are eligible to receive a Pets for Vets companion animal.

Pets for Vets, Inc.

Pets for Vets was featured in an article "Someone to Watch Over Me" written for The Humane Society of the United States magazine.  Click here to see the full article. Go to page three to read about Pets for Vets and Specialist Leif Meisinger.