Ken and Maggie

Maggie was originally placed with Dan, a Navy veteran. Sadly, Dan died of cancer in May of 2020 and Maggie came back to us. Dan’s last request was to find Maggie a loving new home. One of our fosters, Ken, a Navy veteran himself, was moved by Dan and Maggie’s story and offered to foster her until we found her new veteran. 

Maggie is one of those difficult to place dogs. On the surface, you see a strong, determined, black pitbull mix that needs to be an only pet. Originally pulled from an under-resourced local shelter, she was at high risk of being euthanized. Dan’s love and our mission to rescue dogs, even “difficult” dogs, are what saved her life. 

While fostering, Ken and his wife ended up falling for Maggie. How could they not?! Maggie is the funniest, most people friendly, and sassiest pup ever! She loves to cuddle on the couch and watch TV, really watching and vocalizing excitedly whenever an animal appears onscreen. Ken says she likes watching football too. And since Ken and his wife both work from home, she gets to be with her people all the time. Now nicknamed "Magpie" and "the Velvet Hippo", Maggie will be loved and spoiled for the rest of her days. You can rest easy, Dan; Maggie is home.

Wesley is an Army veteran, Infantry and Airborne. He and his wife have a very active lifestyle and wanted an adventurous dog that could keep up with them. Enter Wolfie! From Adams County Animal Shelter (now Riverdale Animal Shelter), Wolfie was an unclaimed stray. Our best guess is that he is a Husky/Kelpie mix, hence his athleticism and smarts. His timing is pretty good too, just in time for the 2019 Christmas holiday.

Wolfie’s willingness to learn and try new experiences has proved a good match for Wesley and his wife. From adjusting to apartment life, to learning commands for hug, sit, and heel, to running alongside Wesley on his bike, Wolfie continues to show how much he wants to understand and please his humans. He even went on his first camping trip. But learning is a 2 way street with this smart boy! When he wants to play, he mouths Wesley’s hand until he picks up a toy and when he wants to go for a run he nips at his heels. 

Wolfie also has a “Velcro dog” side and can be very affectionate, especially with Wesley’s wife. He acted as her snuggle buddy when Wesley had tours of duty, firmly attached to her hip. 

Wolfie’s devotion and companionship have truly enriched Wesley’s life. And Wolfie, a former stray, now has his forever family.  

We are honored to share the match of Amber with Shadow. Amber is a Marine veteran who also happens to be transgender. Sadly, her choice to embrace her true identity was met with a lack of understanding among many of her friends and family. (We are respecting her wishes by only featuring Shadow in the photo.)

Shadow came to us from our partners at Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue. She was very fearful of new experiences and needed a quiet home that would help her feel more confident and allow her to reveal her sparkle. 

Amber is helping Shadow learn to be braver in the world. Shadow is providing Amber with unconditional love and companionship, diminishing the loneliness she sometimes feels. Black Ops Rescue is proud to announce this very special match. 

UPDATE: Shadow and Amber have formed a close bond. Because of her trust in Amber, Shadow is becoming more confident in new situations. We love to hear about progress like this! It enforces our mission statement that pairing veterans with shelter pets provides "mutual hope and healing."