What a first year we had here st Stiggy’s Dogs. We met so many good people (and dogs) and have built some great relationships. Thank you, all of you, for coming into my life. Things happen for a reason…here are some great examples:

Donna Fournier: Director of Training.  Donna learned about our organization through my son, Spencer. She emailed me on a night that I couldn’t sleep. I had tossed and turned about our training program. I was in the middle of training Big Stig, and I knew I needed help. In walked Donna! Her insight and direction is the foundation of our program. Don’t know what I would have done with out you Donna….

Better Life Canine Center and rescue. Owner, Brenda Woody, runs a wonderful rescue and Foster program, as they spend extensive time training each dog. Tiger was adopted from there, as you can see, he is a great ambassador for Stiggy’s Dogs.

Lauren Peterson, wife to Tommy Peterson, who credits his life today because of Ben. Lauren was searching the internet looking for stories about Ben or Tommy, when she ran across our website. I received an email the next day from her. Lauren has now retired from the Navy, and working for Stiggy’s Dogs, dedicating her work in honor of Ben (and Tommy).

Jennifer Guthrie, trainer and foster mom to Bella. Her dedication to training Bella and our organization has been inspiring. Jennifer has been a great resource for me through the year, both as a friend and as a Trainer.

Nancy Hill, who instantly heard about our organization and reached out to offer help! She also introduced Stiggy’s Dogs to WHMI 93.5 (Jon King), who has interviewed Stiggy’s Dogs on more than one occasion. Both Nancy and Jon helped with the memorial for Ben and getting a place to stay for the Corpsman and Marines who came in town for it. Thank you again!

Jennifer Heggan foster mom for Stella. Jennifer has helped out more than I can say. This was her first time fostering, and training, and you would never know it! I feel blessed to have met her. Both Donna and I want to clone her…..

Nima Sherpa, who heard about our organization through Facebook on Nick Petre’s wall. I received an email from this determined woman, saying she was inspired by our cause! She has since reached out to schools and clubs she is involved with, and we may be receiving a grant from them!

Steven Schafer, our grant writer. Steven has become more than that to our organization. He has answered many questions I have had, that were not pertaining to grants. Steven has helped me with our Business plan and Budget. He has been a key person in building our foundation.

Sgt. James Johnson and his family.  Jamey and his family have been so supportive, patient and inspiring throughout this process. They are more than just a Veteran we trained a dog for, they are like family. I couldn’t be more proud.

I cant forget to name these Corpsman and Marines who are family to us now:  Beau Park, Clint Haskell, Justin Blackwell, Chris Brewer, Jason Deguzman, Dave and Lindsey Walden, Jeff Mancino, Mike Camacho, Tommy Peterson and Lonzo Tackett. I love you guys, thanks for all your support!

Dee Dee Reno, Sharon Layne and Elicia Tapani, thank you for being such good friends. Thank you for reading all my blogs, and following along. I can always count on you guys, and that means more than you know!

Noel Tock, creator of our website. We get many compliments on our website, and it all goes to this man. Thanks Noel!

Mike Barnett and Dan Simmons, who we received many donations in their honor. They continue to live on through Stiggy’s Dogs. We are forever grateful.

Lani Baroody, thank you for the great article you wrote about Stiggy’s Dogs for Best Friends Magazine. One of my favorite organizations!  A very proud day to be noticed by them!

Jennifer Bennett, with Hounds4Heros. We both started similar but different organizations. Jennifer and I have reached out to each other through out the year for support and advice. We have shown that rescue’s can work together to accomplish a common goal. More exciting news on this later….

Thank you: Christina Kenyon with Easy Dog Pet Training, in North Carolina. Debbie Spalding, for wearing our Stiggy’s Dogs shirts and spreading the word! Thank you Wags to Wishes Rescue and Angie Potter. Joanna Noble, K-10 project and friend. Terran Frye, for your patience, publicity and support! Rhonda Teed, my new friend, thank you for your support! Rachel Cullen our newest foster/trainer and excellent addition to our Stiggy’s Dogs  family. Angie Petre -thanks for your support from across the pond (our European network!). Jennifer Goulet-Toma for your donations of goodies AND time helping with our accounting! Liz Petre thanks for listening to all my rants and proof reading my writing! (now that’s a job!). Michelle Gentry, for creating a fundraiser and helping to raise money for us. Thank you Lea Morris and Emily Martin for Trick-Or-Treating for Stiggy’s Dogs!

Thank you to our family, friends and strangers that gave donations to our cause. As a non profit we rely on your support. YOU made this happen, thank you!

Husband, Joe Petre, thank you for your patience and continued support, even when faced with diversity. I couldn’t have done this with out you. I love you.

Thank you doggies: Tiger, Bella, Big Stig, Stella and Hershey! You are  heroes here too.

We look forward to our growth in 2011, partly from these people, and ones I have yet to meet…..