“We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal and then leap in the dark to our success. “
~ Henry David Thoreau

I took that leap of faith. Over this past month it has become very clear that Stiggys’ Dogs needed a training facility to properly and efficiently train, and pair these dogs. However, lack of funds kept this dream out of reach. Waiting for grants, getting donations and fund-raising was top priority, along with training dogs, interviewing Veterans, Marketing, end of year accounting, etc. All of this falling under one persons responsibility, Mine! I have sacrificed MUCH this past year, all with Stiggy’s Dogs goal in mind…..and I feel I have come to far now, not to take this next step.

After reading an email from Jamey Johnson, out first Veterans placed with Tiger, opening up and sharing his life with PTSD . Combined with experiencing the meeting between Veteran Terran and his dog, Hershey……..was the final motivations that pushed me over the sedge! In fact, I jumped , smiling and excited, as we take this leap of faith….

I have witnessed personally the end results of what we are doing for these Veterans and the dogs. I know we will be successful. I need to get these dogs trained, and paired with our 5 Veterans in this current Boot Camp class. I feel as if I am letting both down by not moving forward and taking the steps we need. With applications for more dogs coming in daily, the need is strong,  but my desire is stronger.  I know it’s  not common practice for a Non-Profit to take a business loan out, but in this case, you have to do what you have to do….

I am proud and excited beyond belief to announce The Barracks: A Stiggys Dog Boot Camp. We now have a place where our Veterans can come and work with their dogs, train, socialize and even stay over night, before they take their dog home for deployment.

The Barracks:  2,400 sq feet. 1,200 is our living quarters, simulated as a house to train the dogs in a natural living environment. The warehouse area is also 1,00 feet. Perfect for training, and for group classes with the Veterans. The Barracks will be open daily having ‘open doors’ for our Veterans and their dogs. Having a place for them to come, hang out, help with other dogs in training, and working with their own.

I wouldn’t be able to do this with out the support and commitment of some. Thank you Joe, my husband, for believing in me, and standing by my side, no matter how crazy my plans seem. The commitment of our trainer Donna Fournier, is the key. She had been donating her time already, and now her dedication increasing as she accepted to take this leap with me! Between Donna, my son Spencer, and Joe and I , we will be alternating nightly stays at the Barracks. Trainers Jen Guthrie and Rachel Cullen both stepped up as well, supporting our organization and helping to hold me up when I need it most.

“Only those who will risk going to far can possibly find out how far one can go”- T.C. Elliott

*The video clip gives you a little sneak peak of the facility, before we crate the Barracks. Donna Fournier, Jen Guthrie and Audrey Long helped with some cleaning yesterday. (Thanks!) Gibbs and Bella both got to spend some time their yesterday. At the end of the videos, we gave Bella a interactive Intelligent dog toy. I love how she figured out just how to get the treats….smart dog indeed! (just turn your volume down cause I get kinda loud) Enjoy!