This holiday season, we’re celebrating some of the recent touching reunions made possible by our Patriot Pets program—moments where compassion, courage, and devotion brought U.S. service members and the animals they rescued back together on American soil.
Pluto
When Richard first spotted Pluto wandering near his base in Poland, the little cat was skinny, limping, and struggling to survive. Richard stepped in immediately, providing Pluto with the medical care he needed and offering the comfort and companionship that only a true friend can give. Far from home, Pluto became Richard’s emotional anchor, a steady source of joy during long, challenging days.
When it was time for Richard to return to El Paso, Texas, he couldn’t imagine leaving Pluto behind. Thanks to our Patriot Pets program and the generous supporters who fuel it, he didn’t have to. We brought Pluto into our care, arranged his transport to the U.S., and reunited him with Richard in a beautiful moment captured on video. Today, the two are back where they belong: together.
Imchi
Palmer found Imchi when she was a tiny, 8-week-old kitten trying to survive in the Middle East. He knew right away that she needed help. He became her protector, caregiver, and family during his deployment.
When Palmer’s time overseas came to an end, he reached out to us to ensure Imchi could also go home. On the day before Thanksgiving, the pair reunited at the Seattle airport, where Palmer joyfully announced, “It’s the baby’s first Thanksgiving and Christmas.” Now Imchi is settling into life with Palmer and his family, warm, safe, and surrounded by love, just in time for the holidays.
Grace
Grace was a pregnant stray when U.S. soldiers first noticed her wandering near their work area in the Middle East. She later returned with four tiny kittens, an entire little family looking for kindness. The soldiers took the family in, all promising to provide them with homes in the United States. And with our help, they did it! We were able to bring this cat family into our care and eventually help transport them to their forever homes in the United States, where they will live with their respective soldiers.
These reunions remind us why our Patriot Pets program matters so deeply. For many soldiers, the animals they rescue become family. And thanks to caring people like you, these families get the chance to stay together, no matter the distance.