Twice a month, I attend a cancer support group. For the first time, the discussion led me to mention the work I do with the sanctuary. The social worker who facilitates the group immediately asked whether I would be willing to help veterans connected with the Loma Linda VA who frequently refuse treatment or hospitalization because they are terrified their pets could end up in a shelter. Many cannot afford weeks or months of boarding or a pet sitter.

Even though Loma Linda is outside of my area of operations, I couldn't refuse the call to help fellow veterans. Soon afterward, I received an email about a man who had been refusing inpatient treatment. He was deeply attached to his two Chihuahuas and had struggled with the thought of them ending up in a shelter because he could not afford pet care.

I told the social worker to not use the term "foster care'. Just tell him I am a fellow veteran who turned my property into an elderly pet sanctuary to help people facing circumstances exactly like these. For him, Bella Bear’s would simply be a free, safe, and loving pet sitter for his senior pets. Most importantly, I promised that he would get them back when he was ready—and that if the unthinkable happened while he was receiving care, they would remain safe to live out their days here and would never be sent to a shelter.

A few mornings ago, Stephen—the wonderful man who brought Princess into my life and has since become a dear friend—came over for early morning coffee. When I told him what I would be doing the following day and why, he encouraged me to share this story. I do not post about every case, but Stephen was right: this one matters.

On Saturday, I picked up the sweet little dogs up from their home in Victorville. Pebbles and Bam bam have already adjusted beautifully and are safe here while their person receives the care he needs.

This is not an official partnership with the VA. There is no formal program behind it. It is simply a human-to-human connection: a social worker recognized a desperate need, a veteran trusted me with the loves of his life, and another veteran said yes.