I wouldn’t think about what Stiggy’s was going to do with the money until we actually won.  I was still in a haze over the last Home Depot project, feeling dizzy from the amazing amount of votes we received during Aprons in Action. When Jerry Jones called to set a meeting, my bubble burst. Reality hit. I have been living in *stress-n-decision* mode ever since…..

$25,000 in gift cards from Home Depot was a big deal for Stiggys. Huge! I wanted to make the most of this and use every cent to better our program for our dogs and Veterans.  It took at least one full week to make that decision. We met with an architect (Kevin Adams) to discuss possibilities.  Bottom line,  the cost ( Township permits, drilling new sewer/septic well, getting electricity) to build a training center or Bunk houses, would be too much for us at this time.

Why recreate the wheel (building a building the size/needs of the current home) when what we had could be reconstructed to meet our needs. This permitting us to concentrate on our main focus, training dogs and paring them with Veterans.  After living together in the same environment since January, we knew what worked and what did not. I am happy to announce, with much thought and consideration,  our project with Home Depot…. *drum roll*

Making the home handicap accessible. Build wheel chair ramp on front home, turn formal dinning room into a first floor bedroom for Veteran to stay (when they come to train with their dog), reconstructing existing bathroom to include shower, first floor laundry area, finishing lower area for trainer- walk out/stairs with covered awning, fenced in area in backyard for dogs, and many more smaller projects…

Jerry Jones and Jessica Gearhart took on this huge undertaking. They have been incredible in organizing, helping/directing, planning, designing, and learning a LOT in handicap compliance/laws.  There is a whole team behind this, so many people that have worked on time/days off to make this happen.  I am so impressed and overwhelmed at the response from  everyone especially from Home Depot themselves….. BIG surprise was dropped in our laps a few days ago….

The CEO of Home Depot, Frank Blake will be flying in to personally meet us!!! (*pause* to let it sink in) I believe a News crew from Detroit, 12 world bloggers…… and so much more!!!!! Phew! Needless to say, the excitement has us walking on air and not sleeping at night! I look froward to my Blog post after Sept 20th…

I love the fact that we started out our Summer with in a sea of orange in the back yard, and we end it with a huge orange tidal wave!!!!