Army Veteran Lee Thomas, 63, faced significant medical and mental health challenges after losing his wife to cancer. Struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation, he found hope during a visit to the Tuscaloosa VA, where he noticed another Veteran with a service dog. Inspired by a conversation with his social worker, Catherine Register, Thomas sought to adopt a service dog. Initially, he learned that only puppies were available, but he later received an unexpected call about an older dog, who had also served in the military and faced injuries.
Thomas decided to adopt the dog, whom he named Patton after General George S. Patton. Since bringing Patton home, he has felt a renewed sense of companionship and joy. He described their bond, saying, “We needed each other,” noting their shared experiences as wounded Veterans. With the support of the Tuscaloosa VA mental health care team, Thomas and Patton are on a journey of healing together. Thomas emphasized the importance of having someone to listen and support him, which has helped him regain confidence and hope for the future.
