# DLA family opens home, heart to foster deployed service member’s pet

/ Published March 20, 2024
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Kim and Troy Rogers are very much dog lovers. Kim, a lead human resources specialist with the Defense Logistics Agency, and husband Troy, DLA retiree, have fostered a few dogs in various programs since their two dogs, Wally and Dallas, passed away last year.

“We decided we wanted to give back and help other dogs by fostering,” said Kim.                 Kim Rogers, lead human resources specialist with Defense Logistics Agency in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, displays photos of her beloved dogs Wally and Dallas. Since their passing last year, Rogers’ began fostering dogs with various pet foster organizations.                            DLA family opens home, heart to foster deployed service member’s pet                            Kim Rogers, lead human resources specialist with Defense Logistics Agency in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, displays photos of her beloved dogs Wally and Dallas. Since their passing last year, Rogers’ began fostering dogs with various pet foster organizations.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Diana Dawa, DLA Distribution Public AffairsVIRIN: 240320-D-WD427-0101

“We fostered for short periods of time between June and December last year. Then I saw Max on a Facebook post through a pet foster program, PACT for Animals – People + Animals = Companions Together. We talked about it and then reached out to the PACT coordinator.”

According to its website, PACT for Animal’s is a 501(c3) non-profit organization that works to ensure pets are not unwillingly surrendered to shelters because of a temporary military or medical crisis.

The program has a fairly rigorous application process, said Rogers.“They ask for personal and vet references, home photos and perform video calls to see home and outside areas, where food is stored and where Max will be spending most of his time,” she said. “They want to make sure you’re a good fit for the animal.”

All parties sign a contract and the PACT for Animals coordinator serves as a go-between should any issues arise.

The Rogers’ met Max’s owner, a deployed Navy servicemember, via telephone calls and then Max came to the Rogers’ home for a meet and greet.  Kim said everything moved quickly from there. 

“The very next day she dropped him off, she said. “We’ve had Max since December 31st. It’s going great. He is so sweet and well behaved, and we love him. His owner is great to work with. We send her photos and updates on how Max is doing.”

Max’s owner pays for all his food, vet bills and grooming, while the boarding is free of charge said Rogers.

“If they had to board their pet it would be cost prohibitive,” said Rogers. “It would be thousands of dollars. This program supports them so they don’t have to be in a position where they would have to surrender their pet to a shelter. We are trying to keep their family together, so to speak.”

The Rogers’ will host Max until the summer of 2025.

For the Rogers’, this is another way they can serve their country.

“By serving the military, I feel like we’re indirectly supporting and serving our country as well and that’s pretty neat. I would encourage people to consider fostering or finding other ways to get involved.”

Check out Kim’s story as part of the Faces of DLA video series here.