I served in the Army Reserves
as an occupational therapy assistant
for 13 years.
In February of 2018,
I received orders to deploy to Kuwait.
I was excited about deployment,
but finding housing and someone to provide
loving, caring comfort
to Sammi
was a major source of stress and anxiety for me.
Sammi is my best friend of ten years.
I got her when she was a puppy,
and she's super-sweet.
She knows I'm her person.
She actually helps me cope with loneliness a lot.
Sammi offers unconditional love and comfort.
As soon as I got the orders,
that's when it was time to
reach out to someone to find care for Sammi.
And I found PACT, and
PACT found a family for me.
- PACT helps find temporary foster homes
for the pets of military members who are deployed.
My Mom sent me Sammi's photo,
and I took one look at the photo
and said, "I definitely want to do this."
- I took Sammi to a meet and greet
to make sure it was a good fit.
I didn't even have to put a leash on her.
She made herself right at home.
They have two beautiful children
who she fell in love with.
She was happy tearing around
in the back yard and playing.
- Sammi, it's photo time.
- She's like, "No, it's exploring time."
I spent a moment there alone with her,
telling her that I'm gonna come back,
and that, you know, this family is gonna take care of her and love her.
I told Anna that her birthday was on May the fourth.
And it was gonna be her tenth birthday,
so I wanted them to do something special.
When I had to leave
I wanted to tell her,
"Everything will be okay. I'll be home soon."
I really wanted her to understand.
The first night that Sammi was here
was the worst.
She was so upset.
Practically inconsolable.
I was really scared.
And then over the first three days,
you know, slowly but surely,
she calmed down. She started to play a little bit more.
And then the third night
she was sleeping in our bed
or with the kids.
And that's how it was for the rest of our stay with her.
After the first few days and weeks of her being here,
I started noticing Sammi's personality
really come out more and more.
Today, I would describe Sammi's personality
as bubbly, happy, and loyal.
- Except for a spider, who gave them a scare.
Sammi has some favorite toys.
She especially loves pool toys
that the kids throw in the pool.
She's always ready to steal those
and run away with them.
Anna would send me Instagram clips
several times while I was in Kuwait.
I felt really happy that Sammi was being cared for
and loved and taken care of
the way I would take care of her.
For Sammi's tenth birthday,
Anna sent me a video clip.
- Happy birthday to you.
- And I made all my friends celebrate her birthday.
- Happy birthday, Sammi!
Mommy loves you. Mwah!
- The moment I heard Melissa was coming home,
I felt excitement for Melissa,
but it was also bittersweet.
You've been a good girl.
It's been challenging to not have Sammi with me.
You're coming home tomorrow, baby.
- Today is the big day.
Melissa is coming to get Sammi
after being separated for ten months.
The last couple days I've been feeling excited,
nervous, and sad.
I usually try to focus on
what it must be feeling like for Melissa.
Sammi, Mommy is so excited to see you.
So I think Melissa's about 15, 20 minutes away.
We're gonna say goodbye and let them start
the next part of their journey together.
I'm sure she'll recognize me.
It might take a minute or two.
- Hi! It's good to see you. - So good to see you too.
Welcome home!
Sammi!
Oh my goodness!
Aw, how's my baby girl?
I missed you so much.
I don't think she could believe it!
How are you doing?
Aw!
What is it?
I missed you so much.
Aw, I missed you.
I'm very happy right now.
I -- I'm with my best friend.
I think she's happy, too.
Aw. They took good care of you, Sammi, didn't they?
- This is the best way to say goodbye to a dog
that's been in your house for a long time.
Is knowing she's going back
to the arms of someone she loves, who loves her.
I'm confident that we will stay in touch
with Sammi and Melissa.
We're signing up now.
Any time Sammi needs a caregiver again,
we're first on the list.
- Bye, Sammi. - Bye, Sammi!
- Think she's happy? - So happy.
Scoot over, baby.
I just can't wait to bring her home.