Stiggy’s Dogs major goal and accomplishment of 2011 was building our foundation. Donna Fournier, Director of Training, and I worked hard all year, changing and bending with the needs of our Veterans and Dogs. We have successfully built a strong program that were very proud of. However, the void that needed to be filled was clear, we needed our own place to house and train our dogs/Veterans properly.  After 6 longs months of looking, we bring Stiggy’s full circle.

Doc Stiggy comes home…literally.

Before I explain our vision, Stiggys Sanctuary, I need to explain a piece of history…..

2610 Bowen Rd Howell, Mi…..the home that Joe’s father built, by hand, (that right there is almost something unheard of.) Not only did Joe, my husband grow up there, but so did Ben “Doc Stiggy”Castiglione. Ben spent a lot of time there throughout his life. His dogs, along with ours, are buried on the 7  acres. The memories of when he was three years old, playing at the pond with “Goosey Goosey”…… to the green couch he slept on many nights. His old room, still being called “Ben’s Room”.

2610 Bowen Rd Howell, Mi…… the Forward Operating Base of Stiggy’s Sanctuary.  A place where The Veterans will be housed (Base Housing), a training Center for Dogs (the Barracks), our Office (Command Post). Each of our Veterans receives personal training with their new Service Dog. This training is vital to the bonding and growth of our Veterans and Dogs. We take them through basic commands, work together on their *task* training (medication reminders, etc) and work with them on their outings (Restaurants, Stores, etc). We will live there as well since our dogs have 24hr training/care, this makes it much more cost effective, convenient and successful!  But more than that, Stiggy’s Sanctuary will provide a controlled safe environment that the Veterans need. We have two ponds, one will be stocked with Fish (catch and release) and the other will be a Zen pond, a place to go and mediate or be still and quiet. We will have trails thru the property for the Veterans to walk with their dogs. We plan to have a garden, to help with food cost, but also offer another activity for a Veteran to get involved with.

With that being said, there is much to do! The training center for the dogs is one of our top priorities. A Pole Barn, Shipping Containers, trailers are some idea options were working on. We need some minor modifications to the house to make it work (door to close off basement, fencing, etc) We also want to get the Community involved, the Schools, Local Business for volunteers or donations of goods and services (helping to plant the garden, working to build the pole barn, local restaurants to donate food, or a night of pool, tickets to the movies, etc.) Not only will we need a good amount of money to make this vision complete, but a good amount of support from Volunteers and the Community.

We wouldn’t be able to take this next step if it wasn’t for our donors and supporters we have now! You know who you are (you’re the ones reading this!) And I thank you for your help in creating this vision, Stiggy’s Sanctuary, where we will continue to “Rescue One to Rescue another. “

And Ben…..your home. Stiggys Sanctuary will continue to Honor you  …… and your fellow Veterans.

*Pictures of Ben “DocStiggy” and Uncle Joe throughout the years…