“Rescuing One to Rescue Another”

We are pleased to introduce our 2015 Charity Event partner, Stiggy’s Dogs! Stiggy’s Dogs is a non-profit organization that helps military veterans suffering with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries with another form of healing through connecting them with rescue dogs.

“Through our programs, we seek to help heal the wounds of war, provide families with new beginnings and raise awareness about the potential of shelter and rescue dogs everywhere.”

Stiggy’s Dogs rescues shelter dogs and helps veterans keep their current dogs by training them to be psychiatric service dogs for our military veterans.  Stiggy’s Dogs believes in rescue animals and keeping dogs in loving homes and so all dogs are rescued or brought to us by the veterans themselves. Each veteran’s situation is unique and handlers at Stiggy’s work with each animal to train them to meet the needs of a particular veteran. The intense six-month training of each dog comes at no cost to the veteran and the pair often form a life-long bond.

Stiggy’s was founded by Jennifer Petre in memory of her nephew, HM3 Benjamin Phillip “Doc Stiggy” Castiglione. Doc Stiggy was a hospital corpsmen in the Navy:

“He (Doc Stiggy) gave his life working as a Corpsman in Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan, taking care of “his Marines” until September 3rd 2009. HM3 Benjamin “Doc Stiggy” Castiglione was respected by his Marines and known for his determination, professionalism mixed with sharp wit. To his family he is remembered for his caring nature, his love for family and dogs.”

The Ann Arbor Animal Hospital is honored to be partnering with Stiggy’s Dogs to help raise money and awareness of the psychological and emotional needs of our veterans and how rescued dogs can play an integral part in a veteran’s healing process. Please visit their website, www.stiggysdogs.org, for more information!

The Ann Arbor Animal Hospital and Stiggy’s Dogs “Zombie Corn Maze Charity Event” will be held on September 20^th this year at the same location as last year: Coleman’s Farm and Corn Maze in Saline. We have created a Facebook page for this event, visit this page for updates! Mark your calendar and come on out for games, the corn maze, and food– especially the delicious homemade doughnuts!