Sgt. Sosa is a two-time war veteran: 2003-2004 and 2005-2006, both in Iraq. In 2003-2004, Sgt. Sosa's convoy was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while going to pick up supplies from Baghdad International Airport (BIAP), which led him to be quickly extracted via MedEvac (by helicopter) to save his life. He sustained severe injuries to multiple regions on his body (particularly his back) from the blast. Then in 2005-2006, Sgt. Sosa was redeployed to Iraq to serve his country before his enlistment ended. Enduring the hardships of war, Sgt. Sosa checked himself into the Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Hospital in December 2008, where he was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Sgt. John Sosa was honorably (medically) discharged from the U.S. Army and now serves his fellow veterans as a greeter, volunteering his time, at the Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Hospital. His wife, Angie, is still on Active Duty, serving our nation's finest (like her), at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Sgt. Angie Sosa is also an Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veteran.

Shaggster is a 4 year old, Red Terrier mix who came to The Washington Animal Rescue League through PetSmart Charities, Rescue Waggin Program. Furthermore, Shaggster was adopted 1 year ago by a family in Greenbelt, MD but was returned due to insufficient financial support. Shaggster is extremely gentle, loves to please, and just wants a forever home - now he has one!