I write this post with a heavy heart.  There are two parts to this, so please bear with me…

I often get asked about this topic and I have had some tough conversations about it.  The issue is whether, as part of our program, we adopt out our dogs to the veterans.  The answer is simple.  We do not.  Some of our veterans haven’t agreed with this decision, and some have dropped out because of it.  But our program is organized this way for a very specific reason: to protect the service dog and to protect the veteran.  This continuing relationship requires constant monitoring and often training in new tasks or retraining in certain areas.  It would be impossible to properly support our veterans and protect the dogs if we had any other arrangment.  Further, this allows the veterans to receive the benefits of Stiggy’s throughout the career of their service dog.

Dogs have no voice, so we are the voice for our dogs. It is very important for constant communication with our veterans from Day 1 and moving forward. This ensures the best paring of the dogs, but also helps with the ongoing training needed. We do not just train and pair our dogs, once paired, the veteran and dogs are part of our “family”.  Pictures, videos and emails are all part of the follow up program. This ensures that the veterans are working with their dog, but also that the dogs are being properly taken care of while working. Because these programs are relatively new, this also helps us measure our successes, change the areas that led to failures, and continue to better our program for both our dogs and veterans.

We also do not adopt them to the veterans to help protect the veterans. Life can bring many changes, and for PTSD and TBI those difficulties are compounded. We let our veterans know that if they ever need to relinquish their dog, we are here for them, no questioned asked.  Our dogs are to help them heal. but if or when that isn’t the case, then our dogs have a place to come home to and our veterans need not worry.

*note: when the dogs are ready for retirement, we give the Veterans the option then to *adopt* their Service Dog for a pet.

We prepared and planned for this not knowing if it would ever need to be used. However, I write this with much emotion as we welcome home Tiger…..

Jamey Johnson, and your family, It has been an honor to know you. You will always be a part of our Stiggy’s family. We wish you well as you will be in our thoughts and prayers everyday. I hope our paths cross again.

With bittersweet emotions, I announce the arrival of Gunnery Sergeant Tiger, now known as ‘Gunny’. You have made us proud as your work as a Service Dog in North Carolina for over 2 years! You have worked on base at Camp Lejeune,  as ambassador at Martinsurg VA Hospital, and flown in many aircraft’s……you deserve the strips of ‘Gunny!’  Welcome Home …