Vets & Their Pets

Every Veteran Has a Story — And Sometimes, That Story Has Whiskers

Every veteran has a story.

Some are filled with bravery, grit, service, and sacrifice. Others involve a slightly wonky rescue cat with half a tail, a huge personality, and the confidence of a senior officer inspecting the troops.

This is the story of Sir Odin Montgomery — known at home as Dins, call sign 6, Colonel of the Cat Commandos, Tier One operative, and full-time snack thief.

And this is the story of his human, Chris — my husband, a veteran of the 1st Battalion, Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, and a proper Lancashire lad through and through.

Together, they make quite the pair.

How Odin Came Into Our Lives

We found Odin when he was just a tiny rescue kitten.

He arrived with:

  • a bent front leg
  • half a tail
  • and a personality far too big for his little body

But none of that ever slowed him down.

If anything, it made him even more determined to take charge of the house, supervise everyone inside it, and eventually extend his authority across the entire neighbourhood.

From the very beginning, Odin strutted around like he owned the place.

And, if we’re being honest, he still does.

Meet the Cat Commandos

Odin is not just any cat.

He is the self-appointed Colonel of the Cat Commandos, leading a highly trained six-cat squad on covert operations across gardens, fences, alleyways, and the occasional shed roof.

His elite team includes:

  • Drippy
  • Strangley Brown
  • John
  • John — yes, two Johns, but we’re told that’s classified
  • and his trusted second-in-command, Toby Toe Beans, known simply as Beans

Their missions are varied, dramatic, and almost certainly unnecessary.

Typical operations include:

  • ambushing leaves
  • patrolling the alley
  • tactical zoomies
  • silent fence surveillance
  • and dramatic slow-motion chase scenes for absolutely no reason

If MI5 ever needs feline backup, Odin and the Cat Commandos are ready.

Probably after a nap.

Chris and Odin: A Veteran and His Little Shadow

Chris served with the 1st Battalion Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, and like many veterans, he has a soft spot for the underdog — or in this case, the under-cat.

Odin follows him everywhere.

If Chris sits down, Odin appears.
If Chris stands up, Odin is already on the move.
If Chris opens a packet of crisps, Odin enters full operational mode.

They are inseparable.

A veteran and his furry little battle buddy.

There is something very special about the bond between veterans and their pets. Animals have a way of grounding us, making us laugh, giving us routine, and offering quiet companionship when it is needed most.

For Chris, Odin is more than just a cat.

He is family.

Odin’s Favourite Treat: Lamb Puffs

Every good operative needs fuel.

For Odin, that means one thing: Lamb Puffs.

These are his absolute favourite treats — the kind that can turn him from dignified Colonel to snack-obsessed gremlin in seconds.

Our Lamb Puffs are made from:

  • 100% dried lamb lung
  • no fillers
  • no additives
  • no rubbish
  • just pure, crunchy goodness

They are suitable for both cats and dogs, and Odin would almost certainly trade classified information for a bag.

The moment he hears the rustle, he is alert, focused, and ready to breach the kitchen door like he is back on a top-secret mission.

Why We Share Stories Like This

Our “Vets and Their Pets” stories are all about celebrating the incredible bond between veterans and the animals who stand beside them.

Some pets offer comfort.
Some bring laughter.
Some create chaos.
And some, like Odin, seem fully convinced they are running a military unit from the living room.

Odin may be small, slightly wonky, and missing half a tail, but he has the heart of a lion and the loyalty of a soldier.

And Chris?

He would not swap him for the world.

Are You a Veteran With a Pet Story to Share?

We would love to hear from you.

If you are a veteran with a pet who deserves their moment in the spotlight, get in touch with us. Whether they are brave, daft, loyal, mischievous, or all of the above, we would be honoured to share your story.

Your pet could be the next feature in our Vets and Their Pets series.

Get in touch today and tell us about your four-legged battle buddy.