Some conversations stick with you, as in this particular one. There is that point in a conversation, when you have nothing left to say, and you dare say the words ….”Trust me”…

One of the things we stress when working with our Veterans is communication. Honesty and trust are key components throughout this process. The day before Jason was to travel here, we were having that conversation.  Upon being vague many times throughout it (not being able to answer questions about his dog, what if they don’t bond, how long will it take)…..I ended it with saying  “Jason, when you leave here, you will be  100% satisfied with your dog……Trust me...”

Long story short, he was! Jason, happy and grateful for his service dog Brutus thanked me as he left. “You told me to trust you, and that was huge for me, but I did “ he said “And when i get back home,  I want to do something for you and Stiggy’s Dogs to help raise money and help other Veterans like myself.” Then he added “Trust me”…

I got a call a week later from Jason. He and Brutus just had their first Veterans appointment with his Therapist. Jason was talking a mile a minute…..something about Holly Birch  (Who btw is his Therapist, one of those rare people who truly care and go above and beyond to help)…..I heard something about...”people from the Veterans Center want to do a News Story…….set up interview with the  News Station…. I am nervous…….don’t want to talk about me, I am doing this for Stiggys Dogs…..way to get the word out and give back…….really nervous…… this Tuesday……”

Donna was due for her 30 day follow up for Jason, so when his call came through about his interview with Fox News, he sounded nervous then relived when I told him Donna and I would make the trip down there  for both. I was excited to see Jason and Brutus together (I am not usually a part of follow up visits). I was also excited to meet Holly Birch and see his Veterans facility, and nervous for a TV interview.  Of course I was great at easing Jason’s nerves (or trying to) but my own???

The whole day was a whirl-wind wonderful experience. The Middletown Veterans Clinic is a new center with the staff as warming as it surroundings.  We met and talked with some great people! The interview with Kristen Keogh from WKEF ABC22, went smooth. Donna was asked some great questions and in her Donna awesomeness, she answered them even better! But the best portrayal of our mission was clear just by looking at Jason and Brutus. Jason nervous, Brutus calm, looking up at him from time to time as if to say….it’s ok, relax.  At one point Brutus laid down, resting is eyes but his ears alert, still working. We concluded the interview at Jason’s house, as they followed him and Brut around for their daily routine. Jason more at ease in his environment. Brutus behaving like a poster child. Donna and I beaming like proud parents. Reporter Kristen Keogh then asking Jason if he would bring Brutus in person and be a part of The Morning show this  Monday on Labor Day…….Yup! If you live in the viewing area please tune in (we will post later too!) How exciting!

After the hoopla, we had some good one on one training time with Jason and Brutus. We brought down a donated treadmill and Donna taught Jason how to introduce and work with Brutus on it.  The growth and change in Brutus and Jason is wonderful.   Brutus wants to please and learn, two powerful combinations, especially paired with their natural bond. But the best part of the day was pulling away, knowing that we did good!!  The feelings of satisfaction, pride, hope…..and trust.

This day did not end there…….another lesson and gift was handed to me…..

Tammy Canapp, a Nurse Manager at the Veterans clinic,  took a moment when everyone was together to make an announcement. She started off telling a sad, awful story about “a woman that the center that worked there…….driving home……swerved to miss a deer……accident….5 year old daughter killed”.…..The hair on my arms prickled up, the instant gut stop breathing panic filled me……..“our office raised money for her…….called to give it to her and she told us her daughter was a huge animal lover……please accept this donation in honor of Lauren and the Drummond family”.….. tears pouring out now……maybe a sob too……

We are honored.