Stiggy's Dogs train shelter dogs as veteran companions

(WJBK) - A metro Detroit nonprofit has found a way to help two worthy causes in one.

Studies have shown that 1 in 8 soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq will have some symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Meanwhile, millions of dogs are sitting in shelters across America, many of whom will be euthanized.

Stiggy's Dogs rescues and trains shelter dogs to be psychiatric service dogs for military veterans living with PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The psychiatric service dogs are trained and deployed at no cost to the veteran.

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.

Advance Cable and Engineering is hosting a Bark-E-Que fundraiser for Stiggy's Dogs. The fundraiser is at Barrister Gardens in St. Clair Shores on August 5. There's also a "Yappy Hour" from 5-6:30 p.m. There will be drinks, entertainment, raffle and door prizes.

For more information on the fundraiser, visit www.advanced-cable.com. 

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