By uniting Military Veterans and rehabilitated Shelter Dogs, we are rescuing one to rescue another.

I have always believed that a dog finds you, and this time that statement proves to be true.

We were ready for a Stiggy Dog and boy did we get one! His story is sad but not unlike millions of dogs out there. Fortunately this story has a happy ending! Titus (named then) was a stray with a huge heart that captured a few volunteers and workers (Colleen Peltier). They knew he was special and had to save him from euthanasia. A first time Foster mom stepped up to take him in, only for a week, but that week made a difference from life and death. Thank you Marisa Robles for the love, joy and trust that you gave him.

This story is unusual in that he lived in California, and I in Michigan. A campaign with the right people (Kristy Schroder) and Vince (Pilots n paws) made this happen.

Joe, my husband and I drove the 5 hour (one way) trip to Indianapolis airport to pick him up. We were excited but filled with mixed emotion too. This dog will be trained for a Stiggys Dog, bringing more pressure and stress. Was I ready for this? Will he be the right dog? Will he be accepted in my dog pack? We haven’t even met him and were going off the words of others that I didn’t even know. The ride there was full of anticipation. I write this also to let you know that these feelings are normal. Many people that foster dogs or rescue dogs from Shelters may have anxiety but their desire and love for dogs outweigh any doubt!

I was in tears before the plane hit the ground. The instant I saw this black and white, hunky, chunky, big headed Pit , I fell instantly in love!!! I would have picked this guy out myself had I the chance.

It was late at night so we stayed at a hotel. We wanted to take some time to get to know him too. We were all tired but you could feel the excitement hanging in the air. Early morning we left heading toward his forever home.

I touched him all over, head to toe, cheeks, ears; he did not seem to mind being touched anywhere. Stiggy has a wonderful calm nature yet still very curious. He takes correction well even though he has no clue why. It is immediately notable the lack of training for him. Stiggy’s appears younger than I was told with many ‘puppy’ like qualities. Stiggy is not Potty Trained either. I have a lot of work to do and I am anxious to start training. However I have yet to do a proper meet and greet with my dogs.

We rode home in silence, staring at each other. I couldn’t read the look in his eyes yet, but mine was full of love and hope. I rubbed his ears thinking of Ben, knowing he would love this dog. A calm wave ran over me at the same time Sitggy licked my cheek.

Welcome to Stiggys‘ Boot Camp page!

I am excited about the blog because you can follow, step by step, our process. From meeting the Military Veteran and family, picking out the right dog, training the dog, training the family and watch as they meet for the first time! The main reason for this blog, is to have that daily contact for the new family and the new dog. It will take weeks to properly train a dog, so they will be able to log on daily and read each post. It will be detailed information on the dog, his profile testing, his training, likes/dislikes, etc. The family will learn the training right along with the dog. We will post commands, hand signals, pictures and videos of the progress. This will not only educate the new Marine/family but also start the bonding process.

Join as a follower to see daily post, or visit us from time to time please!

I look forward to taking this journey with you, as the first- in-training Stiggy’s Dog is on his way here…… (more to follow)