Lashada was born and raised in Houston, Texas. At age 22, Lashada was accepted into the Army ROTC and received a 2 year college scholarship.   She spent the next 13 years proudly serving her country.  Lashada was deployed to Africa, Korea and Iraq.  In 2009, Lashada was deployed to Iraq and spent a year working as a Military Intelligence Officer.  Of all the places she was deployed, Lashada said she found Iraq the most rewarding.  In Iraq, Lashada had the opportunity to deploy with the 1st Cavalry.  She was one of 10 females serving in her division and is very proud of the work her fellow soldiers performed gathering intelligence on targets in Iraq.  Lashada received many awards and campaign medals for her service including the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Overseas Service Ribbon, Meritorious Service medal, Army Achievement medal (3rd award), Army Commendation Medal (4th award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service medal, Global War on Terrorism medal and Korean Defense Service medal. 

 

Lashada retired as a Major.  When she began her transition to civilian life, she, like many veterans, found it far more difficult than she anticipated.  While trying to reintegrate into the workforce, she lost her first job, but now feels more at home working for the government's General Accounting Office.  At the same time, Lashada was about  to be an empty-nester, because her son was going away to college soon.  Already feeling the loss of military life, and anticipating the absence of her son, Lashada applied for a Paws for Heroes dog after hearing about us from Lone Star Veterans Association and The Mission Continues. 

 

Rocky was a scared little abandoned dog found by Paws for Heroes’ foster Michelle Cote in Alvin, Texas.  Michelle found the matted little furball by a feed store.  He had been hanging out there for days.   He was filthy and skinny.  He jumped in her car and she knew it was a sign he was meant to have a big purpose in life.  Michelle nursed the little guy back to health.  She noticed he had an amazing sweet personality and was always so happy and upbeat.  She contacted Paws for Heroes to see if they were looking for any little dogs.  “He weighs 12 pounds but he has a HUGE personality!” she told Paws for Heroes.  When Paws for Heroes evaluated him, they knew he was the perfect match for Lashada.  Rocky and Lashada were matched on Veterans Day.  Ever since that day, Lashada has been texting and sending videos of all of the fun she and Rocky are having together.  Lashada said “Rocky is like having a best friend around all of the time who is up for doing whatever I want to do...whether that’s napping, watching football or going for a walk.  He’s awesome!!”  Lashada said one of the best parts of receiving a dog from Paws for Heroes was all of the information they provided, their willingness to answer any and all questions and  being there every step of the way after Rocky was placed with her.  Lashada said she received more than just a dog from Paws for Heroes—she now considers us extended family.  Welcome to the family, Lashada and Rocky.