Donna Fournier: Stiggy’s Dogs Trainer.

Donna has been a Certified Animal Behaviorist and Dog Trainer since 1999, working in the Metro-Detroit area. She is also one of the co-hosts of the nationally syndicated radio show, Animal Talk. Donna is a former member of the APDT and was published last year in their book “Top Tips from Top Trainers”. She is also a writer for Examiner.com on the pets channel. Donna is currently completing her Bachelor of Science, specializing in Behavioral Science.

Donna creates our specific training program per individual Veteran. She creates an intricate foundation; balancing tasks matched to needs, to ensure success for both dog and Veteran.

Currently Donna is training Gibbs (formerly Cody) as a Stiggy’s Dog spokesdog!

Gibbs is an 8month old Lab/mix. He is very sweet and trusting. He is full of curiosity and he has a calm nature. Gibbs had a rough start to life and we think he was destined for us!

Meet Hershey-recently brought up from North Carolina to be trained and fostered by Certified Dog Trainer, Rachel Cullen. She contacted me, through Donna last summer asking to help volunteer. Rachael has degrees in both Animal Science and Biology, but it’s her enthusiasm about our program (and Hershey) that is truly impressive. Rachel is a perfect addition to our ‘team’.

Hershey is a 2+ Lab mix female. (were thinking Pointer? Beagle?) What ever her mix is, it is perfect! Hershey is very sweet and wants to please. We look forward to watching Hershey grow as a Stiggys Dogs with the help of Rachel, and her two German Pointers, Kona and Bean.

Bella who is being trained and fostered by Jennifer Guthrie; Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant for ProK-9.

Jen, who rescued Bella from the streets of Detroit, contacted me about possibly training Bella for our organization. When I met with Jen and Bella, I couldn’t refuse!

Bella is a small sweet ‘pittie’, packed with muscle! Bella has the most beautiful golden brown eyes that stare right at you. She is so calm in nature that she is great for making other dogs (and people) feel comfortable. Bella runs on a treadmill and along side a bike for exercise. We are proud to see what Jen has accomplished with training Bella. We look forward to her passing her CGC and being paired with her Veteran.

Stella is a 3+ German Shepherd Dog. She was given to us from a Local Animal Control Officer who was a former Marine Dog handler himself! We had hours to save her, and we made it in time!

Stella is very intelligent and learning very fast. She hasn’t had much exposure so we are working on her socialization.

Stella loves to work, as she will ask to be put on the treadmill to run. She currently is running 2 to 3 times a day for 15 minutes!

I have gotten so many emails about her. Everyone wants and loves Stella!! We will announce soon the Veteran she will be paired with.

Big Stig is a 1 year old American BullDog/mix.

Big is being offered as a Companion Animal for a Veteran. He knows his basic commands, is potty and crate trained. Big is a super sweet boy with a big personality! He will need to be placed with a specific Veteran who can match his strength and attitude.

Currently Big is living with us as part of our ‘pack’. We continue to train and work with him daily. We love him lots.

The first Stiggy’s Dog: Stig (also known as ‘Twig’ Stig).

Stiggy is a 3 year old Catahoula Leopard/mix. Stiggy’s is one unique dog! From his body style, ever changing markings, his question mark tail and pretty green-yellow eyes. Stig is extremely intelligent!!!! Hide and seek is one of his favorite games. He is one active dog that wants nothing more than to bury his nose and curl up next to you at night.

There is no other dog like Stiggy!

He is currently living with our ‘pack’ and is continuing his training to pass Canine Good Citizen soon!