TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A U.S. Navy sailor from New Jersey is making a public plea for the return of his dog after learning the pet was given away without his knowledge while he was deployed on active duty.
Paulo Silva, who recently returned from a combat deployment aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, says he came home to find that his dog, Archie, had been rehomed without his consent. Silva shared the emotional letter publicly, appealing directly to the family now caring for the dog.
“This dog isn’t just a pet to me. He is my heart, my companion, and a piece of my soul that helped carry me through some of the hardest times in my life,” Silva wrote. “We’ve been through everything together—before my deployment, during training, and through the toughest emotional battles.”
Silva stated that he was unaware of any decision to rehome Archie and was not given an opportunity to be informed or to say goodbye. He believes the dog may currently be in the Toms River area.
In his message, Silva expressed appreciation for the care Archie has likely received from the new owners, but emphasized that the situation unfolded without his involvement or approval. “I left for duty trusting that my dog would be waiting for me when I came home,” he wrote.
Veteran requests conversation with current caretakers
Silva is now asking the family who has Archie to contact him directly and consider a possible reunion. He says he is willing to travel, discuss the situation openly, and work toward a resolution.
“If you are reading this, I hope you can find it in your heart to reach out to me,” Silva said. “Let’s talk. I’m more than willing to come to you, to help in any way, and to be open about what happened and how we can make it right.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Silva directly at Paulosilvanavy@gmail.com.
The sailor says he is not pursuing the matter out of resentment, but as a deeply personal effort to recover what he considers a vital part of his life.
