Sometimes in life taking a much needed step back and evaluation is needed. My time is now….

For the last 10 months (more) I have given everything I have to Stiggy’s Dogs. This is my baby so it makes it even more personal. I knew that starting up a non-profit would be a great responsibility, but I was ready for the challenge. I know if you work hard for something, put you heart and soul in it, you can reach success.  I was not prepared that I would lose my heart and soul along the way……

When setting up my business plan for Stiggy’s Dogs, I spent much time going over all the scenarios I could imagine of things that could go wrong. Ironically, NONE of those scenarios took place, but another slew fell directly on my lap. My good intentions, preparations, experience could not prepare me for the roller coaster ride I about to experience.  There were many highs (good things) followed by many lows (bad things) all wrapped into one, that I found it hard to separate it all.  More chaos created more work, which I have been primarily accountable for. I have joked with my family and friends, that because all of this, I feel bipolar.

I have lost some friendships and gained some. Friends and family that I thought would be supportive and help didn’t. However, strangers came forth and were saviors that I never dreamed of.  I have been so consumed with the everyday business, that everything in my life has been ALL Stiggy’s Dogs. I am sorry for those who I have been completely selfish with. I hope you understand my passion and that I had no one to turn to for help, and I have been 100% trying to do the right thing. I know it’s bad when my mother calls me because she has gotten phone calls from friends asking if I am ok, because they haven’t heard from me in awhile……

This journey has been a significant lesson in so many ways, but primarily in one main area: People.  I have received emails, phone calls, conversations with people that want to look for anything and everything negative. Some were conformational, some people who wanted to associate with us, (for all the wrong reasons), and people who have opinions and will share them, even if they are related or not. I was naively surprised that something so positive (Stiggy’s Dogs) could bring on so much negativity.

When I started this, I thought that my easiest challenge would be the dogs, getting them, finding them, working with other rescues. How wrong I was! I could write a book after this about it all, you would likely be shocked! However, I have to continually put this aside and move forward. Staying focused on my end result has been more difficult than I anticipated. I am exhausted, frustrated, and trying to do everything I can to continue my journey. I can see the end result, and much need there is for what I am building. When I get the emails form Jamey, or I talked to these Veterans, I get the needed strength to move forward.

I have been honest and transparent in all my blogs. Maybe a little too much, because I opened myself up to discrimination. However, I am staying true to myself by always trying to do the right thing. The right thing, right now, is to slow things down a bit.  Stiggy’s Dogs is, (again) trying to better the process, and ultimately creating the best scenario of success for Veterans and dogs. I have Veterans in the system now that I feel I am letting down, and commitments that have been made that I am personally trying to keep.  I thank you for your patience while we solidify our processes to improve the impact of the work we are doing.

This message is not all negative. I am very happy and excited to announce some of the great people we have working with us now. Their stories, backgrounds and positions deserve separate blogs. I am expelling a huge sigh of relief going into this New Year with the best support around me. I have tears in my eyes, because Stiggy’s Dogs isn’t what I set it up to be…it will be SO MUCH MORE!