The Lake Humane Society Cpl Joshua Harmon Pets to Vets program is part of a compassionate mission to protect animals and build connections between pets and people through advocacy and education.
Mission
Inspiration
Cpl Joshua Harmon
November 25, 1986 – August 22, 2007
Cpl Joshua Harmon was a U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 25th Light Infantry Division (nicknamed Tropic Lightning), 35th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion. He served as a Combat Medic attached to the Scouts Sniper Platoon and received the Army Medal of Commendation of Valor for performing extraordinary life-saving measures. Additionally, Cpl Harmon was awarded the Combat Medical Badge and is a recipient of the Bronze Star and Hawaii Medal of Honor.
Joshua was deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq on August 5, 2006, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. When returning from a mission on August 22, 2007, Joshua, along with thirteen fellow soldiers, lost their lives when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Multaka, outside of Kirkuk. Joshua was a Class of 2005, Mentor High School graduate and a devoted husband to the love of his life Kristin (Rathjen) Harmon. The Pets to Vets program was named after Joshua because of commitment and compassion to those who serve in the armed forces and first responders.
Joshua was an amazing young man, who had a zest for life and was filled with joy, with a love of humanity and a passion for animals. Whatever endeavor Joshua set himself upon, he did it with passion. Josh was an accomplished musician, an animal lover, master mechanic, and exceptional medical professional.
MAJ Robert Oh, MD USAF
“He not only was wicked intelligent, he had a thirst and passion for medicine I don’t see often. Not only that, but he was also the most compassionate and caring medic in the whole platoon. He was one of those guys who made friends with everyone. Everyone loved Harmon. He was one of the rare individuals who I’ve heard many people call “his best friend.” That is a rare quality and I’ve honestly have to say, I’ve never met anyone like him.”
MAJ Keith D. Washington, U.S. Army
Josh touched the hearts of so many and shall always be remembered for his ability to put others before himself and to go above and beyond in all that he did.
Connecting Veterans with Companion Dogs
Lake Humane Society and Veteran Canine Connection have partnered to connect local Veterans with shelter dogs. Veterans are paired with trained companion dogs in order to give them unconditional love, comfort and support in their everyday lives at no cost to the Veteran. Interested in learning more about this exceptional program? Please visit the Veteran Canine Connection website to apply or call 330-348-4000!
Pet Services
Auggie’s Pet Food Pantry: Provides supplemental pet food support for pet owners who are veterans. Auggie’s Pet Food Pantry is open the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM at Lake Humane Society. A current ID, mortgage/rent statement or utility bill will need to be presented at the time of service. There are no income guidelines. Appointments are not necessary.
Reduced Adoption Fees for Veterans
Must show Veterans ID to Receive Discount
Administrative Fee Waived
Dogs aged 6 months-6 years: $80
Dogs aged 7 years- 11 years: $40
Dogs aged 12 years and over: $20
*All dog adoptions require an additional $20.75 dog license fee.
Cats aged 6 months-6 years: $40
Cats aged 7 years-12 years: $20
Cats aged 13 years and over: $15
All adopters of senior animals are eligible to purchase discounted medications for age related illness for the duration of the pets life from Lake Humane Society. Lab work for age related illnesses will also be available at a reduced cost.
LHS will also offer a 25% discount for all first responders’ police, fire, military, and nurses on all adoptions and clinic care through the Cpl. Joshua Harmon Pets for Vets program. The discount will be given to both active and retired personnel. The person must provide a valid active or retired identification card. Badges will NOT be accepted as proof of service.
Get Involved
Would you like more information on the Cpl Joshua Harmon Pets to Vets program? Email assistant@lakehumane.org or call 440-951-6122 X116.