I believe peoples paths cross, sometimes, for a reason, and this is a perfect example.

I have been working hard to establish relationships with different rescue groups, us researching them, and visa-verse. I was very lucky here, when my mother stopped by a PetSmart during one of their adoption events. Jen Guthrie was very sweet and took the time to talk to my mom about her foster dog, Bella. My mother knows my love for the bully breeds and immediately called me after to brag about Bella. Ironically, Jen Guthrie had heard about Stiggys Dog, and was very open to Bella becoming a Emotional Therapy Dog.

I received an email the next day from Jen, explaining that she was also a dog trainer with PRO-K9 In Home Dog Training and Behavior Modification. (I couldn’t believe it, how perfect!) I explained that we were leaving in a few days to place our first dog and that I couldn’t get back to meet Bella, or talk to Jen for 2 weeks. This only inspired Jen, she took it upon herself to research Canine Good Citizen, and started immediately working with Bella on socialization and taking the same steps I would be doing to prepare Bella. (Jen, you are a blessing!)

When I drove up to meet Bella, I knew instantly she was the one! It was 6:00 p.m. and Bella and Jen were walking down the side walk in her neighborhood. The school, directly across the street, was having a football game. The street was full of teenagers, riding bikes by, yelling and screaming, the band playing loudly……none of this affected Bella. Bella was only concentrating on her handler!   ‘Non-Reactive’ - one of the most important quality for an Emotional Therapy Dog.

I wanted Bella to meet our certified behaviorist and Canine Good Citizen Evaluator before making the final decision (although I secretly knew already-and was in love with this beautiful girl). In fact. Bella did such a good job going through a practice ‘test’, that she almost passed it right there!   Bella has a little separation-anxiety,so we know the one area we have to work on. Besides that, she is perfect: calm, aware, sweet, non reactive, smart, low energy, submissive, no prey drive (fine with other dogs and cats too) and so darn cute! She wants to please and be loved!

Jen Guthrie, you have done such a wonderful job training and preparing Bella. I am excited to work through this process with you, now and for future Stiggys Dog. Thank you for your interest and support. Bella-you are going to make our next Veteran a very happy man! I can’t wait to post more..stay tuned!