Bark-E-Que fundraiser for Stiggy's Dogs to aid veterans

(WJBK) - Stiggy's Dogs is a local nonprofit that rescues and trains shelter dogs to be service animals for military veterans living with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries.

The organization is having its third annual Bark-E-Que on August 11 in St. Clair Shores to raise money for their dogs.

The Bark-E-Que begins at 5 p.m. with a Yappy Hour where you'll find barbecue pork dinner, beer, wine, soft drinks, entertainment, a silent auction, and raffle. There will also be games, prizes, a face painter and magician for the children - plus each child will receive a stuffed Stiggy Service Dog. Stuffed service dogs will be available for sale as part of the fundraising effort.

One special note about these stuffed service dogs is the velcro on their vests is from the uniforms of SGT Joe Lilly who was killed in Afghanistan on June 14, 2012, and his parents will be at the event.

Stiggy's Dogs will have "deployed" dogs and their veterans on site and will talk about their program and the healing that is provided to vets experiencing extreme trauma.  Deb Robinson, a Gold Star Mother whose son died by suicide will also speak on the importance of service dogs. The dogs can wake from night terrors, turn on lights, pick up dropped items and just be an overall calming presence in the veteran's life.

The fundraiser is August 11 from 5-8 p.m. at Barrister Gardens. For more information or to purchase tickets, which are $35, click here.

For more information on Stiggy's Dogs, visit www.stiggysdogs.org.