I consider myself a dog lover. I have experience with many dogs, many breeds, I have fostered, Rescued, and trained. Yet this time it was different, and I was not even aware of how much. I was about to embark on a naew journey, training an Emotional Therapy Dog, in honor of Ben.

I can say that I was ‘in love’ with Stig before I met him. His story was enough to pull on any dog lovers heart strings. Titus (named then) was a stray, that had escaped death row, got fostered (by first time foster mom to save him, Marisa), got Rescued by Kristy Schroeder from Illinois, flew out by Pilots 4 Paws, and then to Stiggy’s Dogs. The efforts by so many to save one dogs life is remarkable.

I was immediately even more ‘in love’ when I saw Stig get off the plane. His big square head, his joules, his big polka dotted paws. He was the kind of dog that I would have went looking for. However, all the mushy, lovey-dovey had to be put on hold. I had a job to do. He had a job to do. And we were off, from day 1.

Stig was by my side constantly, and he needed to be. We had no knowledge of is background and it was clear he was never in a house, wasn’t potty trained and VERY RAMBUNCTIOUS!!!! Big, (which he was affectionately nick named for obvious reasons) wore his leash dragging behind him for 2 weeks straight. Teaching him our rules and letting him know our limitations was/is a full time job, 24/7 we were together. He was crated each day for periods, some times 2x. We walked, exercised, and learned many new things together. Now, I was really ‘in love’ with Big. He is awesome.

It wasn’t until our first trip to the Farmers Market that I realized our connection. I was nervous at first, the market was full: packed in tight rows with kids, people, strollers, wagons and other dogs. Stig and I maneuvered together, side by side through it. When I stopped, he stopped. When I proceeded, he did. I found a shaded area and stood for a moment with Stig sitting by my side. I inhaled a deep breath and relaxed. I looked down to see the same relaxation in Stig. For the first time, I stopped thinking about Stig and training and started to focus on the flowers behind me. My eyes went to the honey stand, the herb garden, the ladies pretty hat, and the cute dog. My eyes glimpse back to Stig, who seemed to be in his own deep thought. Here we stood, side by side, hearts beating at the same pace, relaxed and connected.

I realized then how wonderful this bond was that we had. That is about trust too. I needed to trust him that he would be ok in that situation. And Big Stig needed to trust I would not put him in harms way. Chills ran up my spine. This is what it is all about! This is the bond that a Military Vet will feel. The emotional and physical connection that a dog can give. It is amazing and beautiful!

This gives me the strength to move forward and work harder to get Stiggy’s Dogs out there!! Thank you Stig, together we have taught each other many things….