Heroes and Their Pets: Alisa Johnson on Dogs on Deployment and Fostering for Soldiers

Welcome Home - A Podcast for Veterans, About Veterans, By Veterans

When former Marine Corps C-130 pilot Alisa Johnson deployed in 2011, finding a temporary home for her dog, JD, was a struggle. Dogs on Deployment was born out of that struggle. Alisa founded the organization with her husband, a former Navy helicopter pilot. Now at the helm of Dogs on Deployment, Alisa shares the transformative impact of their mission to provide foster care for the pets of our nation's defenders during times of need. Imagine a service member's relief, knowing their furry companion is in loving hands while serving our country. In this conversation, we uncover nearly 3,000 success stories, explore the deep bond between humans and animals, and hear a particularly touching tale involving the support of a veteran with multiple amputations.
The second portion of our talk takes us behind the scenes, where the true champions are the thousands of borders nationwide taking pets in. , Dogs on Deployment needs volunteers to dedicate their skills to ensure our service members' pets are cared for. We discuss how businesses and individuals can forge partnerships that preserve these precious human-animal bonds. Alisa illuminates the emotional struggle and logistical challenges faced when duty calls and a beloved pet is left behind, emphasizing the essential roles that education and military command support play in these scenarios. Join us for this heartfelt episode that celebrates the unsung heroes—and their pets—of the armed forces.
For more information or to donate or volunteer, see the web page at https://www.dogsondeployment.org/.