We cannot physically, mentally, emotionally and financially continue like this. Stiggys Dogs needs help, and I am begging for it……

Looking back I realize that I am not the personality type to start a nonprofit. I have always been a ‘giver’ (which most nonprofit Directors are). However, I find it hard to ask for help. It is not my nature.  Asking for money is even more difficult.  I have painstakingly borrowed a personal loan (so far up to $6,000) to keep our organization going.  My husband brings in a great family income (obviously I do not have another job for income-which has hit us hard this last year). His income level could lead us a nice lifestyle, if we didn’t need some of it to keep our nonprofit running. We have learned to live without. The pride of our accomplishment, the success we have witnessed in these Veterans and dogs, already have made this journey worth it. I would do it all over again, no regrets. I don’t want this to sound negative….desperate would be a better choice.  We currently have $100 in our Stiggys Dogs bank account.  And we have Patton needing antibiotics (Kennel cough) which will spread through our current pack….more antibiotics needed, more money needed…. I couldn’t sleep last night…

So go out and get some money, have fundraisers, get some grants! (I know your thinking that) I have tried to do so….along with running every other aspect of Stiggys Dogs. I have about 3 people to help with everything. 3. I am so grateful for those 3, because without them, we wouldn’t be here today. Seriously.

I run; marketing, blogging, interviewing all Veterans, all emails, all phone calls, Volunteers, Book keeping, Rescues, website, grants, fundraising, rewriting the business plan, media, research, work with the Military/VA, follow up and continue training with our Veterans and their families, and dog training…..Yes, I am not only trying to run this organization, I am living it. Let me explain in more detail….

To properly get our last training class of dogs and Veterans paired we needed a training facility. We rented a Warehouse, where we (Donna and I) share time there. The dogs live in a home environment , a controlled environment needed to properly training the dogs and Veterans. Donna and I rotate days there. We spend every other night at the Barracks. This breaks up my family…Joe and I live apart every other day and weekend. This also has added more work, I now have Two places to clean, laundry, grocery shop for. Adding more to my personal routine.

Our goal is to have one location, were we house, live and train these dogs and Veterans. Finding this property is a priority for Stiggy’s to continue to grow. But to do that, I need the time to- raise money- get new Business plan for it-to find/negotiate the property……more time that I don’t have. After 6 months- of living apart and sacrificing, Joe and I are considering giving a 30 day notice and moving into The Barracks. Financially- it’s a great decision- paying for two places, electricity-and living apart- we accrued double cost.  Did I mention that the warehouse (unnamed cause it is kinds illegal to live there-another risk) has only a toilet? No shower, no stove, no washer and dryer…..primitive way to live, but both Joe and I are prepared. Our Veterans have lived in worse (war) and if they can survive that, we will survive this. It is the contiguous debt that can sink us….and we need help….

How can you help? If you are still reading this after my rant, and are wondering how to help…..here is a few ways.

*Fist off is monetary donations-Please pass along to your circle of family and friends, just to donate $10. We have 1,800 fans on facebook, if all of them donated just $10, or $5…..that would make a big immediate difference.

*Help writing grants, or ask for local Business donations.

*We are in need of Dog food (with 6 big dogs we go through it fast!) I hate to be picky, but we use Kirkland (from Costco). We need dog toys, beds, cages,etc.

*Help with fundraisers. (We have a run I need help to promote)

*Book keeping-business/office organization help

*Marketing.

*Proof reading/writer. I am not a writer, I cant spell, English is NOT my strong suit. I am A.D.D. and Dyslexic- making it more difficult- not to mention how scattered I am at any given moment trying to hold it all together.

I have had a few emails in the past asking how to help, but I haven’t even had the time to reply (please ask again if you are one of them reading this). Sometimes it was easier to do things myself, than interview, explain, train, etc. (Most nonprofit organizations have someone who runs the Volunteers)

This is personal for me as I ask for your help. But not for me… for Stiggys Dogs, for these Veterans and these rescued dogs. We have seen success, and the need is growing. I will continue to hang in there and continue to sacrifice what I can to make this work………but I am asking (begging) for some help to do so…….together we can do this!

Thank you.