The drive into Jacksonville, North Carolina is a hard one for me.  I have been back here four times since Ben’s death, but each time I see  the base, the uniform and these young men and women……. it stirs up the emotions that I try to bury deep. This time was no different, although this time, we had 2 dogs in the back seat…..

The time was finally here, after months of training, Bella and Stig are ready to meet their Veterans. And their Veterans, Patrick and Justin, were more than ready for them! We rented a house for the week, giving us room for everyone to spend as much time together, work together, and to live with the dogs before we leave. Within an hour of arriving, we were unpacked and waiting on the porch for the guys…..Donna and I  full of emotions, excited, a little nervous….and the dogs, not sure what was going on, but as happy as always!

Patrick Kittel arrived first. Stig ran right up to him when he walked through the door. It was like he knew Patrick already! Stigs’s butt was wiggling from side to side, his long tail hitting himself and Patrick in the face. It was such a sweet enduring moment. Stig can be ‘aloof’ with most people when he meets them, but not Patrick! Yes, the tears were starting to well up……

Justin arrived shortly later with his girlfriend Annette and 4 year old Jayden. The energy in the house was high, the excitement was overwhelming for all. However, when Justin walked up the stairs, Bella was waiting. She had a few warning barks before she saw him, and then, they were off! Bella’s feet were prancing, tap dancing in circles while she was licking and kissing Justin all over.  I think I could see red hearts floating over Justin and Bella’s head….

Immediately, Patrick and Justin were handed a leash by ‘Doctore’ Donna. From that moment on, the dogs were their responsibility, feeding, potty, walk, etc. The leashes kept the dogs at their Veteran side, although I am not sure it was needed. Stig and Bella looked like they were starved for attention, It was almost embarrassing…. But Patrick and Justin gave them all the love they were missing.

Patrick, who served with Ben, and was there when he was KIA, was receiving a dog named after his friend. This was the emotional trigger that I have been trying to hold back. One moment when Patrick was petting Stig, and the sleeve of his shirt rose, my eyes stopped. On his arm, tattooed, was script writing of the 5 names of the brothers he lost, with Stiggys named scrolled in the middle. Ironic, my first thought, I wonder if people will think he tattooed his dog’s name on his arm…..It was then that Patrick handed me a bracelet, one that he has worn this last year, with all the names on a dog tag. It was all I could take, the tears fell then. This is the most precious meaningful gift I have been given. I will wear this with honor and pride Patrick, Thank you.

Patrick and Justin  went with Donna (separately) later that night for their first loose leash walking exercise. The smiles on their faces when they returned was priceless. Justin sitting with Bella after, her head on his lap as he stroked her head, The whole time we was rubbing her ears, he opened up to us and told us that he would have never done that! Walking down a dark road, at night, in a new place…….my mind trailed off. Stupid! That was so stupid of me, what were we thinking putting him in that position? But the look of accomplishment and pride on Justin’s face, showed that he already took that first step with Bella together towards healing…..

Stig and Patrick got some good playtime on the beach. Stig LOVES to play fetch and has been waiting for this moment.  We didn’t realize that maybe having Stig retrieve a ball that was buried in sand might not be a good idea! Stig was covered in sand, in his mouth, eyes, everywhere. It didn’t matter, they were man and dog on the beach having fun! I can say that I laughed so hard at one point, I almost peed my pants ! Patrick threw the ball a little farther than the 20ft lead we had Stig on. Stig didn’t know, he was on a mission to get his ball. Stig was running at 80 mph, when he almost tore off Patrick’s shoulder…..dragging him behind.

What a great meet and greet. Donna and I high fived, hugged and squealed when they dove off. We did it. We found the perfect matches….