I have received many emails lately from Veterans and Case Workers inquiring about our program, and our time line. I want to explain a few very important facts.

When starting Stiggys Dogs organization I did much research on Therapy dogs. There are different classifications and a very gray line as the laws around Service Dogs. At that time (1 1/2 years ago) there were a small handful of organizations that were paring dogs with Veterans. Two famous organizations were pairing Companion Animals, and two National organizations that were placing Service Dogs.

I have explained the difference before, but I feel I need to expand on why we choose to go the Service Dog avenue. Maybe one day we will incorporate Companion Animals, but not until we have this system in place.

Companion Animals: are not legally defined by federal law. They provide people with contact to animals, but are  limited to working with people who have disabilities. They are usually the personal pets.. Federal laws have no provisions for people to be accompanied by Companion Animals in places of public accommodation that have “no pets” policies.  Companion animals are not service animals.

Psychiatric Service Animals: Psychiatric Service Dogs aid people with mental illnesses, from anxiety disorder, Traumatic Brian Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These dogs are taught specific tasks ranging from: reminding veterans to take their medicine, waking them up from a nightmare or alarm clock ringing, to directing them through a crowd.

BOTH dogs are very beneficial and have wonderful results. If you are looking for a good pet, one that is potty trained, I suggest Hounds4Heroes. I have been talking with the owner, Jennifer Bennett, for months now. We have helped support each other throughout the year. Her philosophy is very close to mine, she also rescues dogs from shelters and Rescue groups! She has successfully placed over 25 dogs with Veterans this past year. If you talk to those Veterans they will tell you how life saving having a dog around can be. I am very proud of what Jennifer and Hounds4Heroes has accomplished for our Veterans.

After interviewing and talking to the Veterans we have, there is one common thread, anxiety to public places. To properly place these dogs and do both our Veterans and dogs justice, we go through extensive training and socialization.   Stiggy’s Dogs all pass the Canine Good Citizen Certification, and then be paired with their handlers for further training. Since each person is an individual, and each experiences their disability uniquely, then each Stiggy’s Dogs are individually trained to meet their Veterans specific needs. Training time frame depend individually on the dog and the Veterans needs, ranging from 2-6 months. (Half of training is done with the Veteran)

Because our Veterans that are specifically looking to take their dog in Public places, there are many things to consider when deciding on a Companion Animal or Service dog. Our dogs work work in very challenging environments involving close contact with strangers, large crowds, noises, and all manner of novel objects. Most dogs justifiably find these things frightening. Not all Companion Animals could handle that. Our dogs are Service Dog licensed through their specific State they live in. This also benefits the Veterans as we are working with the VA because Service Dogs are paid by the VA: food, training, on going expenses. The VA looks at this as a prescription……as they should!

I ask all my Veterans on their first interview what they are looking for and want out of their dog. Most of our Veterans have diagnosis of PTSD. Depending on the severity, will depend on what route they should go. I realize  everyone wants a dog now. Part of my stress is trying to go through this process as fast as possible. I personally get to know these guys and have a vested interest in their healing. We are a new organization and we have gone through many transformations already trying to make it better.

Both Hounds4Heroes and Stiggys Dogs are in the similar areas, so depending on what you are looking for, will be which organization you should contact. Both goals: are to help our Veterans.  Both Jennifer and I are working 24/7 to make this happen.