Here is another example of people meeting and paths crossing for a reason. This is such a great story…

I received an email from Robin Jones, saying she saw us on the News he night before and she had a dog she thought would be great for our program. Robin sits on the Board and Volunteers at the Darlington Humane Society in South Carolina. I do get many emails from people about donating their dog, most of these do not work out (see FAQ on website). However, this one struck me for some reason. Partly because we are currently the process of looking for one more dog for our current training group. We have at least 15 Veterans in waiting now, and with the facility were renting, we have only the capacity to train 4-5 dogs at a time. We were ready for the fifth.Robin said there was something special about this guy, she donated her money to adopt him for us and took him home for three days to wait for  transport…..

Robin thought we were based out of North Carolina (because of the News Report) and was prepared to help with the transport of this dog. Learning that we were based out of Michigan deflated her a bit. However, my girlfriend from Georgia was driving to Michigan that same weekend. I know it is out of her way (added at least 7 hours to her trip) but I threw it out there to MadLynne and told her to think about it. Being a animal lover herself, I didn’t want to pressure her into this. It took less than 24 hours and she was committed to help! I received a call 6 hours after Madlynne had been with Patton, the message went something like this; “I think I am going to drive staright thru to Canada with this guy….it was nice knowing you….”

While in route we thought of his name. Sitting at the Barracks, Veteran Jamie and  wife, Lillie Grom were here training with this next group of dogs. I mentioned that since this was Memorial Weekend and we were receiving this gift, that I wanted his name to be patriotic and reflect that.  Jamie suggest Gen. Patton, and also mentioned maybe naming him after a Veteran who received a Purple Heart. Great idea! I instantly thought of the 6 service men killed in Afghanistan a few days before. I went on the DOD website and one of the young men KIA name was Army Specialist Adam J Patton. Patton? Jamie and I looked at each other, was this a sign? When I read about Spc. Adam Patton, we found out he is a distant relative to General Patton AND he was originally born in Michigan! Chills ran up my arms…Patton became his name that minute!

I remember when I asked Carrie if I could name our dogs “Stiggy” in honor of Ben (her son) and I wanted to give the same respect to this family. I sat on the computer, dug around and found Adams mom on Facebook. It took over a half hour for me to write her just three sentences. Nothing seemed to be the right thing to say. I have walked in her shoes somewhat, I know the devastation, shock and grief. I sent the message asking her permission, not really expecting a reply. The next day I received a message from Sandy Orre Kottre saying “I would be very honored…..thank you so much”….

Stiggys Dogs recruit Patton starts his journey as a Service Dog today, the same day Adam J Patton is being laid to rest in his home town. I hope everyone reading this will take a minute to pay respects for his service and to his family, who is suffering his loss.

Things happen for a reason, and this big guy is sure an example of that!