The *Goodness* that surrounds this event, is more than ‘just a concert’…. read and see -

I received a phone call from Donny Brown, the drummer from Verve Pipe a few weeks ago. I was taken off guard at his genuine desire to help our organization “I was looking at your website and I am moved by what you do.” Donny said “What can we (Verve Pipe) do to help?”  He was asking me that????   This is the kind of men behind the music that more people need to see.  I can not wait personally to meet them and give them a big *Welcome to Stiggy’s family* hug!

The Brighton Center for the Performing Arts is donating all other show expenses to the organization!!!! THANK YOU Elaine Godlewski, Marketing Coordinator and Anne Rennie, Marketing Director for .your efforts in that decision. After emails back and forth with Elaine, I knew she was stressed that Stiggy’s Dogs wasn’t making money off the benefit (based on that days tickets sales), hours later I received a email titled “YIPPEE” as she explained we would now walk away with a profit….

For our non local followers…. look what was in the paper this morning… ‘ Plenty of seats still available for Verve Pipe concert to benefit group that aids Veterans.’ Christopher Behnan of Livingston Daily Press and Argus. Thank you this last push!

We will also be filming a PSA (Public Service Announcement) at this event. Interviews with Veterans, Band Members, and you- our Fans and Supporters that keep us going.  iHeart Production, LLC , Paula Fournier,  has donated their serves for this.  How exciting ….

Thank you to the people who bought tickets and *donated* them to some local Veterans and their families. This is what it is all about…

Thank you to everyone mentioned. I look forward to meeting and seeing you ALL tomorrow….

* Purchase tickets here

I write this with tears in my eyes and hope in my heart ….

For those of you who have followed Faith and Honor throughout their *Deployment* together, it has been a whirlwind year for them both….from Honor being nominated for Hero Dog   through Faith and her two cancer surgeries. They have spoke on Stiggy’s Dogs behalf to many News Reporters/TV/Magazines and personal groups. Together they have helped other Veterans and trudged though many obstacles. Faith and Honor are an inspiration to me personally, and at times kept my faith in this mission I work so hard to achieve.

And yet again, we are about to learn another valuable lesson from these two.  Retiring Honor was no easy decision. Taking this next step to be repaired with another Service Dog, is a venture we are yet to discover. Faith, as a combat female Air Force Veteran, has been a warrior and leader her whole life. If anyone can make this transition, come out a success and be a guide for other Veterans that may be on this situation one day…. it is you Faith Harris.

Here, in her words, is The Next Chapter:

I am a Veteran with PTSD. I have dealt with the night mares, panic attacks, judgment from others and so much pain that all I wanted to do was find the darkest place and never leave. I know what it’s like to go through life feeling lost and nothing ever makes you safe. 

Then 2 years ago came and I found my best friend through Stiggy’s Dogs. Her name is Honor she is my service dog. From the moment we met our bond was like nothing I had felt is such a long time and I once again felt safe. The best way I can explain the feeling I felt was like being back with my brothers and sisters of the armed forces. That feeling of knowing you had someone that would lay down their life for you and vice versa. I left Stiggys with Honor and we hit the ground running. Right after we returned I got sick with cancer. Like a true friend Honor was by my side through all the doctor appointments and the surgery’s. She gave me the strength to return to school and get out of the house and because of that I was able to help other Veterans. For that I could never thank her enough. Now it’s my turn to return the favor to her. For the past 8 months Honors bladder has been leaking (due to a bad spay surgery) and it is unrepairable. The only recourse is medications, one that we had to take her off because her heart swelled. For the past two months it was getting worse and the new meds  made her anxiety act up .She has not been able to work because of it.  

I had to do a lot of thinking about what I was going to do. I contacted Jen and we talked about it. I cried because I knew no matter what, I could not let my best friend go… it would be like losing one of my troops and I could not go through that. She has done so much for me and my family. I owed it to her to let her live her life out happy and stress free. So after doing a lot of soul searching and thinking, I have decided to retire Honor and let her live her life out happy and spoiled like she deserves.  

My story does not end there because I know what it’s like to have the benefits of a service dog by my side I asked Jen for the biggest favor, “Can you please find me a new Service Dog. I want, I need to get back where I was before Honor could not work”, And without a second thought Jen and Donna went out on a search for the perfect dog.  After many pictures and phone calls later… I fell in love with this short, long body, big headed boy.  I asked if I could name him and Jen said yes.  I did some thinking  about what would be the perfect name.  I thought about what many Veterans, including myself, feel like living with PTSD and it’s like we are all FUBAR (F*@#ked Up Beyond All Recognition) because no one can see our scars and that makes it so hard for people to see our pain. Then it all made sense… FUBAR was the perfect name. People can see him and with his help they can see me getting better. Then FUBAR will have a different meaning. 

Thank you to everyone that has followed my story and I hope you will follow my next chapter.  Jen and Donna thank you for all you do for your Veterans.  I am honored to call you my friends and most of all, my family.

Faith Harris

We are excited to announce the pairing of Marine Vietnam Veteran John Drew and his new *battle buddy* Corpsman.

I have said it a million times and here again  is another example. Things have a way of working out, ‘what is meant to be will be’…. as it is with this story.

After two possible Veteran pairings did not *work out* for Corpsman, I remember looking at him saying “You are such a special guy meant for a special purpose, hang in there buddy”  One week later, that statement rang true. As much as Corpsman was ready for his Service Human …. his service human needed him more…..

It was a pivotal time in John’s life, in the past year he suffered  considerable loss. It was also a week before Christmas, a time of year where you feel the depths of loneliness. You could see it in his eyes on our first meeting.  John is a quiet man not showing a lot of emotion. However, the day we introduced Corpsman to him….is a memory burned in my mind forever….

Corpsman, entering a room full of people, went right up to John. John kneeling down ready, took him right in. Corpsman kissing Johns cheeks and hands,his tail wagging side to side fiercely. The room was quiet, tears formed in Johns eyes.  It was like a reunion of old friends. Corpsman stayed by Johns side the entire time, John not moving from the floor next to him. Yes, I said to myslef  “you weren’t meant for a special purpose indeed!”

One week later when Donna and I showed up for training, we were surprised and thrilled to see the changes already in BOTH of them. John talked more, smiling while telling us how Corpsman follows him everywhere. I think I counted three times where John  laughed out loud! Corpsman, bonded to him fast, the telltale signs were clear; Corpsman matching John *personality* and energy, coming up to him and kissing is face at one point as John was telling a sad story,  looking John in the eyes and reading his body language, sleeping with him at night and yes…..following him everywhere!

Yes, Corpsman, you and John both are meant for a special purpose… We are excited to announce the First Veterans Court Dog Support  team!

Now that is a whole story in itself!!! (stay tuned). For now lets take a moment to wish John and Corpsman luck as they continue their training, and journey together…..

This testimonial makes me burst with Pride. I am but one in the many who are a part of this amazing journey….Melody Powers, Robin Jones, Lynne Nesbitt, Adam James Patton, Sandy Orr Kottre, and you, our friends and family of this outreach were creating……

Sgt. Eric Brown – USMC, OIF Veteran

Paired and Deployed with, PSD Patton – July 2011

It is so hard to even know where to begin… to say the least my life has changed tremendously since I have been paired with Patton. I have been through ups and downs, losses and gains and I have learned so much about myself. I found I am much stronger than I thought and also realized at times I am not it is okay. I know my limits and so does Patton.

Of course I have my family to thank, but I cannot express enough how Patton has enhanced somany parts of my daily life. One of the major things he has helped with is relieving stress and anxiety when it comes to my security. He often walks the perimeter of my property with me. Even if we are just relaxing at home I can watch his body language and know if something is different. Many of my old safety habits have become his responsibility and a great weight has been lifted. Because of that I have found myself sleeping better and that in itself has been a huge feat.

I know it might sound crazy to some, but Patton has simply helped me get back out into the real world. He has helped me do things I never thought would be possible again. I have not only been able to manage and overcome my own struggles, but I have also been able to help other veterans.

Currently, with Patton by my side, I am facilitating a Wilderness Adventure group through the Ann Arbor V.A. Hospital. Our program reaches out to veterans that struggle with adjusting back into civilian life or have other combat related issues. Knowing that I can give back and help someone else fills me with great pride and pushes me daily. Patton and I also attend Veterans Treatment Courts where he attends as my service dog, but also as a distraction and a means of comfort for the other veterans. He never ceases to amaze me with his ability to read and comfort others, taking a
moment to visit everyone, leaning in or putting his paw on them as if he is saying, “it’s okay!”

Patton just fits; he was made for me, and my family. I (we) will be forever grateful to Stiggy’s Dogs, for making life possible again. We are also deeply honored to carry on the name of a service member who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our country (Spc. Adam J. Patton, OEF May 26, 2021). He bears a noble name and we will continue to share his story whenever it’s assumed he was named for the General.

After closing the door to 2012, I am excited to say we are looking forward to 2013 and what new adventures it will have for us… Thank you Stiggy’s Dogs!

Most Sincerely,

Eric Brown and Family