I woke startled and confused…….was that a dream? No, it was a reality! I closed my eyes, wishing nothing more than to relive yesterday all over again……..

Joe and I were at Bloomsburg University to see 2 of the 5 group presentations from Professors’ Petre’s  Communication for Business Professionals Class. We drove the 9 hour drive the day before and got to squeeze in some much cherished Jim and Lizzy time. Before we went to bed, Jim had all the presentations the table letting us view them beforehand if we wanted. Joe and I both wanted to wait to see the presentations firsthand. In hind sight, I wish I would have looked things over, I could have been better prepared…..
Joe and I dressed in our Stiggy’s Dogs shirts, and Stig wearing his vest,  we were all a bundle of energy. I was excited, my anticipation building as walked closer. Stig was also super excited! It was a beautiful day, spring is in full bloom, there are lots of people around looking at him……Joe gave Stig some quick directions, focusing hm on his ‘work’ to do. This was also a great opportunity for us to take Stig in a classroom setting. The Veteran he will be paired with has expressed going back to school. We were about to see if Stig was cut out for it…..

Joe and I were in the stair way with Stig, watching the hustle of students getting to their classes. As the crowd thinned out,  I looked at Joe, and we took a deep breath together. Stigs attention diverted us as 4 beautiful, professionally dressed woman walked up the stairs towards us. Their smile were bright, and  I instantly knew that this was the ‘group’ that I had talked to before. I was so excited to meet them, but not nearly as excited as they were to see Stig. All four of them, in unison, and two octave higher, squealed “Awe…..” That was it, Stig busted a gut! As they all bent down to pet and kiss him, he wiggled his butt so hard he was smacking himself in the face with his tail! Oh Stig was adjusting just fine to University life…..

We entered the classroom and found a spot in the back by the door for us. Stig looked around the room, as all eyes turned towards us. The room was small, but the greeting was  huge and warm. It took only a few corrections, and  Stig settled right down. He stretched out in a ‘Stay Close’ position through the entire presentation!
I sat down and looked around, the room was full, every desk with a student. Professor Petre was in front taking attendance, and the four girls were waiting ready to start their presentations. Jim introduced us, I think, as I wasn’t listening to the words coming out of his mouth. I was so full of pride! My mind was flooded with memories of Christmas and us talking to them about Stiggys Dogs, and Jim and Lizzy wanted to help and do something. And here we were now sitting in his classroom. He made it happen. He took an need, turned it into a great idea and then implemented it. The first tear started to form. I looked over to see Lizzy, sitting in his class, equally as proud. I couldn’t look at either one of them anymore, tears of joy were starting to blur my vision….
I looked down at Stig to see how he was doing, both of us startled by the outburst of applause. Students were looking back at us, tears actually rolling down my left check…..Oh my gosh…not now, please not now, I willed myself.
The girls started their presentations. The slide show light up, and just seeing our Logo and name on the screen caught me off guard. Wow, this was so cool…..These girls really took the time and research on our organization. I was overwhelmed all of a sudden at so many emotions……I was so grateful for this, so happy and excited about their ideas. My heart dropping suddenly when they talked about this being in honor of Ben. Seeing his picture and name produced the out pouring of tears that I was desperately trying to hold back.
I reached in my purse, thanking myself for grabbing a piece of the sandpaper/paper-towel from the bathroom (just in case). There was no hiding it now, from anybody. I looked over to Joe, waiting to see his “oh honey, not now look” But instead his eyes remained focused straight ahead, rimmed with his own wet lashes. I looked forward when the mentioned of my name brought me back to attention. Something about a letter written to Ellen Degeneres about Stiggys Dogs and honoring me…….wait, what did they say? I believe an actual sob came out at that moment. At one point, they stopped talking,  looking at me as I was desperately trying to hold back hysterics,  and apologized. They were apologizing to me? How embarrassing! That group did a remarkable job on there presentation especially given that their client cried the entire way through it!
I was much better prepared and under control for the second classes presentation. I was equally fascinated at viewing the ‘outside’ perception of our organization. How creative and talented this group was offering some great ideas! This was old news to Stig by now, who was stretched out and sleeping so deeply that he was  going into loud snores.  Although Stig jumped up on all fours, instantly alert with the loud applause of approval.

Unfortunately we were only able to see two of the 5 groups that chose us. Jim is taping them all for us. If they are anything like what we already saw…..I will be overjoyed all over again! We got some time at the end of each class to ask questions and talk. These students were interested and asking informed questions. This wasn’t just about getting the word out about Stiggys Dogs….it got the word out about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury, about Psychiatric Service Dogs, about Volunteering and even a summer internship! Yup, I received an email from Rebbecca Howells asking for a Summer Internship and offering many suggestions that she would like to help with!!!
Nina Dacey, also from Professor Peters class, worked with the BUSVA (Bloomsburg University Student Veterans Association) to organize a fundraiser for Stiggys Dogs!! After class, Joe, Jim, Stig and I walked across campus to this event. Here was a group of students crowed around a table, a big poster board about Stiggys Dogs, and randoms shouts out about “Helping Veterans…PTSD…..Dogs…..and yes, a Bake Sale on 4/20″….. (Interesting marketing ploy, leave it to college kids…)

Taylor Winters was there, he is also in group giving a presentation on Stiggys Dog (that we were unable to see). However, he was an other student, touched by our organization and wanting to help. I sat with him talking. He was the kind of guy you feel like you have been friends with forever. Their group had bracelets made, (camo with Stiggys Dog and a paw print) and were selling them at the Bake Sale! I was thrilled to be wearing one. “Great idea, did you get the company who made these to donate them? I asked. “No.” he replied so matter-of- fact, “We all donated $20 each (4 in a group) and bought them. Were selling them for $2.00-doubling our profit.” I was completely taken back, again! “You bought them?” I asked again just to clarify. “Yea,” he shrugged, “well as College students-it could have went to worse places…”

Oh No, here come the tears again. So many people, taking the time to help. Each in their own way. Each  making a difference. I couldn’t be more proud or grateful!

Oh yes, I pulled the cover over my head, not wanting to open my eyes. Please let me relive that day all over again ……