WLNS TV 6 Lansing - Jackson | Your Local News Leader

I got a phone message, directly from Chivon Kloepher herself and I knew immediately who she was. Upon moving in a new county the change of local news stations goes with the territory. I watch WLNS, I am familiar with Chovn Kloepher, and she was calling ME!! Well, Stiggys Dogs actually…

Donna and I jumped up and down in the office, looking more like school kids than adults. WLNS was coming to do a story on Stiggys Dogs, about the Aprons in Actions contest, and they were filming LIVE. We are always excited about a platform to build awareness about Sttigys, PTSD/TBI, but this was more about getting us the votes needed to win the contest. So spreading the news, through the News, was huge for us.

When Chivon said she would see me at 4:30 am, I didn’t bat an eye. Grateful for this, I would be available anytime she needed. I woke at 4:00am that morning to thunder…and a phone call from Chivon saying that weather is bad, were in an emergency situation and they couldn’t make it. I understood completely, lightning filled the room as she spoke. Determined as she was, Chivon was NOT going to let us down….

By the 2nd try, we were much more prepared (house cleaned,etc) and ready to go live. Nerves filled my tummy, as the first question is always the hardest. Explaining Doc Stiggy, talking about how our organization is in honor of him, catches in my throat. I feel the tears starting but I suppress them just as Jordan, our cameraman, turns off the camera. “We lost signal” was all he said. Well, an hour later and no signal, they leave…again. I was feeling despair, grateful for their time and how hard they were trying to get us on air. Again, Chivon promised, there will be another try….

Three times a charm! Plus, this visit we didn’t have to get up at 4am, and we had two of our Veterans there to be  part of this. Being on air and interviewed is one of the most difficult things to ask of our Veterans. Most get panic attacks thinking about it, waiting for the wrong questions, or wanting to stay *anonymous*.  However, today both Jamie /Trooper and Mike/Barrett were *SUPERSTARS*. Donna or I could talk all day long about what we do, the benefits,etc. But  watching a Veterans and their dog interact….needs no words. This being new to Mike, as he is just 2 weeks into training with his dog Barrett. I was worried that it might be too stressful to put them into so early. Opting for WLNS  to video a training session, leaving our Veterans/Dog working by themselves. To my surprise, Mike in all confidence, took control. At one point, He was showing Chivon and Jordan how Barrett will *sit* and *wait* for more than 40 ft…..That took some courage for Mike to do, but he fell into so naturally focusing solely on Barrett. Red hearts exploding from both their eyes. Tears forming from mine….

Some things have a way of working out. To me, this day was so much more than a “please vote for us ” day. It was about someone who took the time, and time again, to care (Chivon). It was about personal growth for both Mike and Jamie, bonding and trust building for their dogs, and a point well proven. Chvion asks me “How do these dogs benefit them?’  pointing to Mike , I say, “That right there is how” …