Melissa and Geneva

When Air Force and Air Force Reserve veteran Melissa approached Black Ops Rescue, she was searching for a balanced, people-friendly puppy who could join her camping adventures. She was introduced to Geneva, initially described as a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog mix, but who turned out to be a striking husky/pitbull combination! This unexpected heritage proved to be a blessing—Geneva's husky side gave her the endurance for mountain trails, while her pitbull genetics blessed her with unwavering loyalty and a loving heart.

Today, Melissa and Geneva are inseparable. Geneva has become a neighborhood favorite, especially among children who adore her playfulness. Her exceptional intelligence and balanced energy make her perfect for Melissa's active lifestyle. Geneva may not be the breed Melissa expected, but she’s exactly the dog she needed. Their story exemplifies the magic that happens when veterans and rescue pets find each other through Black Ops Rescue.
 

 After 23 years of dedicated service in the Army, Aaron found an unexpected companion in Bruno, a cattle dog mix with a rough start and a gentle spirit. As followers may remember, Bruno was originally adopted by fellow veteran Wes, but needed to be rehomed through no fault of his own. The universe had bigger plans, bringing Bruno and Aaron together in what can only be described as a perfect match. Bruno settled in remarkably quickly, becoming Aaron's constant companion as he pursues his passion for photography.

Aaron reports that Bruno is super well mannered and prefers human company to that of other dogs, making him the ideal travel buddy for photography expeditions. Despite being a special needs dog with IBS and allergies, Bruno's quality of life is exceptional thanks to Black Ops Rescue's commitment to sponsor his lifetime care. Together, they create a heartwarming picture—a veteran finding peace behind the lens and a loyal dog finding his forever home, proving that sometimes the most beautiful photographs are the stories we live rather than the ones we capture.
 

 When Army veteran Joe approached Black Ops Rescue, he knew exactly what he was looking for – a small, non-shedding "velcro dog" who could be his constant companion. The moment he met Buddy, a curly-haired stray poodle from Riverdale Animal Shelter with soulful eyes and an affectionate disposition, Joe knew he'd found his perfect match. After a much needed dental and a fancy haircut to get rid of his matted coat, Buddy immediately lived up to his "velcro dog" reputation, staying close to Joe's side and forming an instant bond that felt like they'd known each other forever.

Today, Joe and Buddy have established a beautiful routine together. Every morning begins with a long walk to their favorite park, where Buddy shows surprising energy for his size, chasing balls and making friends with other dogs while never straying too far from Joe. Whether they're running errands around town, relaxing at home, or visiting the local veterans' center, this inseparable pair demonstrates the healing power of the human-animal bond. 

 Hi, my name is Juniper! I’m what’s called a “tuxedo” cat and as you can see, I’m a very handsome fellow. I’m here to tell you about my adoption to retired Navy Captain Janet—she’s my new Mom!! You might notice from the picture that I adore her. It’s a mutual admiration society of two. She lets me sleep on the pillow next to her and feeds me Churu cat treats: my favorite! She’s told me that I’m loving and gentle and we have a lot of fun together. I love it when she brushes me (yes, cats like that too!) We play together so we get a lot of exercise. We also have “cuddle time” which Mom says is very calming for her. I heard her talking to someone from Black Ops Rescue on her “phone thing” and she said being together with me has helped her physical, emotional and mental health and improved her social life. Friends who visit are my Aunt and Uncle! She called me a “JOY”, but she is the one who has put so much JOY in my life! We are a bonded pair!! 

 Jordan is a former Army combat engineer. He asked Black Ops Rescue to find him a “buddy” and companion for hikes, camping and all-around good times! Jordan is very active, so he needed a pal to match his energy. Enter Dune, a Malinois/Dutch Shepherd pup mix just waiting for someone to have fun with. Despite Dune’s reputation in the shelter for being a “counter surfer” Jordan reports Dune is very well behaved at home and in public. He’s adjusted very well, even when left alone with counter “temptations”. Jordan reports that having Dune in his life has improved his physical, emotional and social well-being. At just six months old, Dune looks to have found the perfect match for a very long and happy relationship! 

Anthony contacted Black Ops Rescue looking for a buddy and an activity partner.  As a Marine veteran, he is well acquainted with exercise and enjoys hiking, biking and long walks.  He was looking for a lively partner to keep up with him.  Working with our partners at Colorado Herding Dog Rescue we thought Koda, a young border collie/retriever mix, would be a good match—we were right! Anthony has already started using the BOR-supplied trainer to help curb some of Koda’s energy (he loves counter-surfing for food) and training is progressing well.  Anthony says Koda has improved his life appreciably and we’re sure Koda would say the same about Anthony.

 Air Force veteran Rich is the live-in caregiver for 82 year old, Doris. Their beloved cat (and Cat Care Society alumni) Emma passed last year and they felt it was time to open their hearts and home to another feline friend. They reached out to Black Ops Rescue to help find the perfect pet and we knew we would find him at Cat Care Society. Mr. Bill, formerly known as Hedwig fit their bill perfectly. Within 5 minutes of being home, he was loving on Rich and Doris. They are in love! 

Mr. Bill is now spending his days snuggling on Doris's lap, lolling in his window seat, and playing with Rich. We could not have hoped for a better match—truly a Christmas miracle. Rich says, “Thank you my friends for making my life worth something more than before…” 

Referred by his VA caseworker, Navy veteran Bradley came to Black Ops Rescue hoping to adopt not just 1 but 2 kittens. A committed pet guardian, Bradley even spent some time homeless when he couldn't find housing that would accept his 2 cattle dogs. He chose to live on the streets rather than give up his beloved pets. The dogs passed a few years ago and Bradley now has stable housing. He knew it was time to open his home and heart to some new babies.

Enter Mr. Moochie and Miz B. Rescued by our partners at Feline Friends of Lola's, these adorable siblings were the perfect match for Bradley. Mr. Moochie is sweet, cuddly, and adorably clumsy and tailless black Miz B is what we affectionally call a "spicy" kitten. She has very strong opinions and runs the show. She will even try to knock Bradley's phone out of his hand if she wants his attention! Together, they keep Bradley entertained and knowing he is loved. He even says Mr. Moochie and Miz B have taken his depression away. We could not have hoped for a better outcome.

Good things come to those who wait. Rescued by our partners at Whimpers to Wags, Socks spent almost a year in foster care waiting for her person to come along. And though her foster parents were amazing, she still needed her own human and her own forever home. 

Marine Corps veteran David came to Black Ops looking for a dog for companionship and to encourage him to be more active. Like many of our veterans, David sometimes struggles with PTSD and knew the unconditional love of a dog was good medicine. 

A true velcro dog, Socks loves to be with David and follows him everywhere. And David, a former "no dogs on the furniture" kind of guy, now has a dog that even sleeps in bed with him 😉. 

Thank you to our partners at Whimpers to Wags Rescue for not giving up on Socks until Black Ops and David found her.