“Veterans Helping Veterans.”

This concept was not in my original business plan for Stiggys Dogs.  In fact, it took almost a year for us to fully realize the community we were developing. Because we were growing slow, taking the time to get to know each Veteran (and family) and taking specific time to train each dog with them…… We decided to open our training Barracks for these Veterans to come and stay. Little did anyone know that this would turn into something so much more!

From Day 1, each Veteran felt immediately at ‘home’. After each visit, these guys would open up more and more with us. This was a place for them to go, a place where they felt ‘safe’. Here were Veterans, from different branches of the Military and different parts of the region, coming together. They share stories, memories, and advice.  Terran Frye, stepped up initially as the Go-To guy. He had a lot of answers to help other veterans navigate the Military/Disability system.  Terran even took it upon himself to reach out to these guys, outside of Stiggys to offer support. Terran picked up the phone and helped us navigate through the system at Camp Lejeune, he has called the Department of Justice about the American with Disability Act, and had been such a proud recipient of a Stiggy’s Dogs that Hershey could be our spokes-dog! Together they have been everywhere, including a airplane ride!

It seems only fitting to ask Terran to officially be Stiggys Dogs Veteran Liaison! We are happy to announce that he is full speed ahead! Part of his (and my) plan is to create a community for the Veterans and their families. ‘Veterans Helping Veterans’. Hold events, go camping, do things where the families and Veterans can come together.  We hope to work with other non profit and organizations. Just last weekend Veteran Terran Frye and Jamie Grom were a part of Tips-Up for Troops fishing tournament!  What a great event! We are hoping to also hoping to host another wonderful organization this summer; Remembrance Memorial Charitable Trust!

In keeping with Veteran Helping Veteran theme, we have decided to host a Companion Dog Obedience training- for our Military Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families. This 6 week Academy is taught by Jen Guthrie, Pro K-9 (and past Stiggys Dogs Bella, foster/trainer).  For more information visit our Academy page.

Bringing the Military Community together, supporting our Gold and Blue Star families, bringing awareness to PTSD and TBI is just a part of what we are trying to create. If you have any suggestions or want to offer your support, Please email us at Jennifer@stiggysdogs.org. We would love to hear from you!