Last September I received a phone call from Hounds4Heroes, Jennifer Bennett.  She called to introduce herself, and talk about how we both could benefit each other.

Jennifer and I ‘hit it off’ right away. So many similarities, from the name, past work, dogs and  future goals. We both started our non-profit at the same time with very similar missions. Hound4heroes is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. They also rescue dogs (and cats) from shelters for military veterans. However, the difference in our organizations are they provide Companion Animals, and we provide Therapy Dogs. Both have similar benefits, but our dogs are trained further and specifically per Veteran.

In the past 4 months, Jennifer and I have shared ideas, gave support, vented, laughed, cried, stood on the sidelines and cheered each other on. I remember one phone call where we were both upset with the lack of support sometimes throughout the rescue community.  We commented on how nice it is that we could ‘work’ together to help achieve a common goal. Which is why I jumped at the chance to do just that!

Jennifer called to say she had a Veteran in the Jacksonville area. (Stiggy’s Dogs already has a presence there) and asked if maybe we could work together to provide this Veteran with a dog.  Life throws options at you, and I had to take this one.  I knew I was going to be in Jacksonville the first week of January, the timing was perfect.

I am so proud of this for many reasons. To work with such a wonderful organization. To step outside of my Business Plan for a common goal. But most off all, to set an example, that similar organizations really can work together!!!

Stay tuned for more on this story,  as we depart tomorrow for North Carolina……