I recently realized just how far behind I was in writing my introduction/Deployment blog, when I got an email from a Veteran asking to be paired with Trooper…..I wrote a previous blog about Trooper, the sad situation of his story. But this story is about Troopers handlers Jamie Gorm, cause it is just as good of a story….
I remember Jamie’s and my first conversation like it was yesterday. He was bostriuos over the phone, his excitement for being accepted in our program was clear. SO much so that he asked (almost begged) to come to the Barracks. Even though the class we were training for (dog and Veterans) wasn’t his group, he still wanted to learn, see how we worked, and to help the other Veterans. Jamie’s ‘visit’ turned into and on and off again visits for the next month as he helped prepare for the dogs deployment…. Read the rest here…
These pictures have me in tears….heartwarming, wonderful tears. I thought I needed to share…
Patton went with his new Veteran, Eric and his family for a weekend at their lake house. This was a big step for Us, Patton and their family. Patton was introduced to the water, a boat, swimming, other lake dogs, other kids, other people…..and well……I will let you see for yourself how it went
I remember the last thing I said to Jason before he left to make the trip up here, “Don’t worry Jason, I promise that when you leave here, you will be 100% happy with your Service Dog….”
That was in reference to Trooper, one of our dogs in training, who was being paired with another Veteran. Jason had his eye on Trooper and really, really liked him….
I knew that at some point one of our Dogs and Veterans that we think will work together, just may not work…….the Veterans may not bond with the dog, or the dog may not bond with the Veterans. Whatever the reasons, I knew I had that promise in the back of my head….gnawing at me…….
July 4th, Independence Day….the memories growing up. The parades and picnics. Sunshine and heat. But that didn’t matter, we were kids, we didn’t get hot. I remember waiting with the kids in the neighborhood for dark, the older boys lighting off small fire crackers, laughing. My favorite was the *sparklers*. I would write my name and spin in circles over and over again till dizzy. Then the Fireworks would start, quiet fills the air, except for the simultaneous “ ooohs and awwwwees”. I loved the way you could feel the fireworks going off, my heart shaking at times. Sound familiar? Well, this year I have a whole new perspective. I cherish those memories, wanting to reach back and grab the innocence….
“Home of the Free because of the Brave”
I got to spend this Independence Day weekend with 2 of those Brave….
Introducing our Stiggys Dogs Support Your Military for the month of July. Here is how you can help….
If you own a business, or know of someone who does, or works where we can hang our Paw Prints (for $! donations): gas stations, Boutiques, stores, restaurant, Dr. offices, etc. We also can include or choose to have a donation jar
Please help spread these paws all across America! Support our Military Veterans
email rebecca@stiggysdogs.org for more information!!!
"The experiences and lessons I learned from working at a Humane
Society, motivated my future. I have spent the past 4 years trying to
make a difference. Dogs listen, love us unconditionally, are loyal and
can be life saving. I am passionate about my goal of helping one dog at
a time, and now one soldier and family at a time. I am proud to honor
Ben and determined to carry on his legacy of helping others through
Stiggys Dogs." Jennifer PetreFounder - Stiggy's Dogs
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