A Special Thanks

In November of 2014, following a series of events that would lead me to being homeless, I had called the homeless shelter in Phoenix Arizona.   Among other questions for the shelter, I had asked if I could bring my dog.  The answer to this question was clear and really quite reasonable, “Unless your dog is a certified service animal, absolutely no pets are allowed.”  Well hell I had thought, there aren’t enough beds for humans in the shelter and it really came as no surprise that pets were not allowed, as is the case for the vast majority if not all of the major shelters across America.

Bolstered by this bad news and resigned to my circumstances I verbally expressed what I had already committed to in my heart long ago and especially so now that my kids were grown and on their own, “I’ll live with my dog on the streets.” What had happened next is a moment I often reflect on, and am thankful for, when the CSR replied, “Call the Veterans Crisis Hotline and inquire about an organization called “Veterans and Their Pets.”.  Further reflection on this fortuitous encounter with a concerned and thoughtful CSR is in itself cause for gratitude for all of us know what it is like communicating with a CSR that is either bored, unconcerned, or just plain annoyed by the inconvenience of having to deal with yet another task.  This is especially true, it would seem, with state and federal employees, the DMV being the most notorious in my opinion and experience.  It often seems that customer service/care representatives are hired, in the majority of instances, to fulfill only the minimum of job requirements; consume oxygen and create carbon dioxide.  Concern and dedication on the part of the CSR that day, that moment with me, I am forever grateful for.

As the phone rang in my ear in my attempt to connect with the Veterans Administration Crisis Hot Line, I had growing doubts in the likelihood of finding a solution to my immediate problem- keeping me and Daisy together.  A counselor picked up the line and I got right to the heart of the problem.  It had been explained to me that “Veterans and Their Pets” has helped others in situations similar to mine and I was encouraged by this fellow to reach out to them.  It was indeed satisfying to know that I was getting a referral from the Veterans Administration Crisis Hotline directly.   They provided me with a direct number to VeteransAndTheirPets.org and immediately I became a little more hopeful for a solution.

My call to “Veterans and Their Pets™” was answered by a gentleman by the name of Michael.  Many things had been discussed over the phone during this conversation, much of which was negatively affected by my current state of mind.   I was under the influence of a powerful emotion involving a considerable amount of fear, and mixed with that, the uncertainty and doubt I had been consumed by certainly affected what I was hearing and more importantly how I processed that information.  When Michael had requested that I sign foster/adoption paper work to send back, I pulled the receiver away from my head, stared at the earpiece in disbelief for a moment before returning it and said, “Man, you just don’t get it, I ain’t giving my dog away.”  I had very nearly hung up the phone in surrender to my current circumstance with the resolve that the only way for Daisy and I would be to go it alone. 

With a firm but calm and reassuring tone, Michael pierced my haze of despair with his reply, “Harold, in your absence this allows us to care for Daisy; see to her veterinary needs such as spay, vaccinations, licensing, housing, and transportation, all of which are necessary while you are away.  Also, there are, and have been in the past, those that never come back for their pet and this covers us in the event we encounter such a situation.”  That very afternoon, I signed and emailed the forms necessary for Daisy’s care.

My encounters with Michael in the following week were brief but his dedication and passion were evident in actions that supported his words.  A visit to PetSmart™ to meet with Michael and pick up a pass that would allow me to visit the kennel where Daisy was temporarily housed until her veterinary visit revealed that he was busy that Saturday organizing and screening individuals interested in adopting the dogs that he brought in.

After a week of living in the homeless shelter and being separated from Daisy, it was Michael West along with other concerned folks in the Veterans Administration that encouraged me to leave the Phoenix Shelter and go to Thousand Oaks to be with my father while he struggled with his recent diagnosis of cancer.  Daisy had been recovering from spay surgery for only a few days when I picked her up in her kennel before hitching a ride to Cali.

Following my father’s short battle with cancer, ending on February 21, 2015, I had called Michael West on the phone to discuss the following vision and mission with him.  On the phone with Michael I struggled to formulate my rapidly conceived plan; I had my bicycle, dog crate, duffel bag, and Daisy; that I would purchase a trailer and ride across America for “Veterans and Their Pets”.  It was Michael West that supported my idea.  In April I had started this tour without phone service or a tent.

Just days into the tour, Tour De PACLANTIC, it was Michael West that reached out to me to say, “Harold, slow down and enjoy the journey…”, for I had been cranking out serious and hard mileage to distance myself from the unfriendly metropolis of the Los Angles sprawl.

When I had arrived in Phoenix I was invited by Michael West to attend a fundraiser put on by himself and others.  Again I was witness to his dedication and devotion to Veterans and Their Pets.  Later he would invite me to his home for a last night in Phoenix before continuing on my cross country travels.  It was at his house that he provided me with service for my phone, citing that I would need it for my own safety.  He also gave me a tent and helped design vestibule for Daisy’s dog crate in case should we encounter inclement weather as well as shade from the desert sun.  This is where I had captured the photos for this Thanksgiving day thank you post.

Today, on this thanksgiving day of November 22, 2018 (everyday really), I am most thankful for Michael West of Veterans and their Pets™.  He is just one person that works behind the scenes of what you and I see as “Veterans and Their Pets™”.  In addition to the many duties Michael has assigned himself by way of volunteering, he is currently Director of Quality Control at SUMCO Corporation and has been involved in the semiconductor industry since 1984.  Valley Dogs Rescue, valleydogs.org , the parent organization of “Veterans and Their Pets™, was started when Michael found eight puppies and mom, all of which were cold, wet, and living under a shed.

For the story of how “Veterans and Their Pets” came to be, check out this story: https://valleydogs.wordpress.com/2011/02/21/fox-news-covers-gary-and-libbys-story/ .  It is an excellent example that highlights the need for “Veterans and Their Pets”.  In a nutshell, “There are veterans in this country that do not seek the help they need because of their pets, Daisy and I are but one  example”

Thank you Michael West, I am forever grateful for your dedication, kindness, and concern for others, including Daisy and myself.  It is my sincere admiration of what you have done for me and others that makes my simple tour pale in comparison with regard to contributions to those in need.  Thank you!!!  Woof!   

If you enjoyed this story, please subscribe to my blog and PLEASE share it with others.  I encourage you all to donate to www.VeteransAndTheirPets.org

With Love,

Harold Palmquist

TourDePACLANTIC.blogspot.com a cross country bicycle tour by Harold & Daisy for www.veteransandtheirpets.org

Michael West with Daisy May 2015

Michael West with Daisy 2015

Visit with Daisy at her temporary kennel through VeteransAndTheirPets.org