Greatdogs Know

12/17/2024

Ideas come in many shapes and sizes. Soo grateful for this community!

DARE TO DREAM DOLLARS RECIPIENT!
Jenni Lough Watson was awarded the Dare to Dream Dollars by Sherry Douglas of Heart-Song. Jenni will use the dollars toward her Collie Connection program and invested time in a Mapping experience at Heart-Song to jump start her program. The program’s aim is to share, in abundance, the unconditional love of collies to support social emotional wellness for youth, adults, and professionals in Ohio through hands-on, multi-dimensional learning opportunities.

12/12/2024

10/10/2024

I've just completed the pre-work modules for the Dr. W. Edwards Deming Institute, in preparation for next week.

I can only describe the experience as a cocktail of emotions.

In this in-person seminar, participants will understand and begin applying Deming's System of Profound Knowledge. Learn how to lead and manage organizations by building a culture that results in higher employee engagement and retention, better communications and collaboration, and driving innovation...

10/02/2024

TROY, Ohio (WDTN) — An initiative in Troy is helping young students grow socially and emotionally with the assistance of four legs and some fur.  The Collie Assisted Social Emotional Support D…

08/15/2024

Some of my friends ask... how does a judge choose which dog wins?

This photo is one of the primary examples of how structure is evaluated

There is a written standard for each breed, that the dogs are being compared to. The judge decides which dog best meets the breed standard criteria.

Lots of other factors are influential - but this is the most weighted.

https://www.ukcdogs.com/collie

08/09/2024

Totally HARROWING trip through Cinci with Malone (my van) and his 12 foot extension.

GPS took me straight through Cincinnati under and over bridges and through narrow streets.

At each red light - water boy-panhandlers got.pissed because I wouldn't roll my window down and buy their water... several of them chucked the bottles at my windshield and mirrors before the light turned green.

Petrifying. We need to do better, Ohio.

Now... on to Cynthiana! For the Mason Dixon Club.UKC Dog Show!

07/31/2024

Never underestimate the bond a Breeder has with the dogs they produce.

Link got the incredible honor of reconnecting with his Breeder Victoria Lowery-Hopkins (and Dan). Victoria travelled from Tiffin Ohio to experience the program, and see Link all grown up ad a contributor to society; a true ambassador of his breed.

It has been 3 years since Link entered our lives - and the level of enrichment is surely cherished.

After the program concludes next week, Link will be hitting the road once more. Kentucky and Georgia are on our tour list in the coming weeks.

07/24/2024

07/08/2024

Working on a FUN and EDUCATIONAL vid with our friends Jenni Lough Watson and Swain. Look for the final cut coming soon! !! :)
Hobart Urban Nature Preserve

06/21/2024

Mooney has an exciting day! Haha (not soo much - Neuter day!)

He will be the newest family member of Naomi Meeks Cyrus Meeks and Jammie Wright !!! And will stay RIGHT HERE in Tipp City/Troy Ohio!

What an adventure we went on together!

He earned his UKC Champion in record time, and even snagged a few Grand Champion Points (He would have finished this AND been on the top ten list if I hadn't miscalculated points and entered him in the wrong class for an entire weekend).

He explored Arkansas for 6 months in foster care with friends Matt Cox and Judy Grace (thank you SOO much for sharing your beautiful family with him!) And travelled to many dog shows near and far.

Mooney will forever be called the Meeks "Moonpie" and will be joined with their Border Collie Beau, Wheaten Terrier Freddy, and a few kitties and future farm critters. The extended family has Old English Sheepdogs, and all are extreme dog lovers ♡

It's amazing how social media can bring strangers together and new friends into our lives. I'm grateful! For that most of all.

This is UCH Int CH Braeton's Talkin to the Moon "Mooney"
Born Nov. 22, 2020
Of Braeton Collies - Karen Weber from New Palestine Indiana

Considering a faithful companion to enrich your life? Inquire about a Greatdogs Career Change Collie! These are incredible companions, who have had significant life enrichment and experience in the world, are health tested, and well-versed in living life to the fullest generousity on earth.

06/14/2024

Another fun day ahead!

Skippy, Fyfe and Swain will be entering their respective classes at the UKC Premier Nationals today.

06/07/2024

Friends,

There are some projects in life that lead us to take the next best step towards our dreams...others, make our heart sing. Sometimes, it's challenging to know the difference because both are coated in passion and purpose.

But let me take a step back - to 2002...the day I walked through the hallway and into the Self-Contained Classroom at CC Griffin Middle School. Carrying with me only an idea, and an endless supply of "guts". I brought 8 rescued dogs into a classroom of middle school students, to mentor and to engage, and learn with them, to share my experience of the unconditional love of dogs. The teacher, Mrs. Carol Pierce was ever more brazen - somehow getting permission for this from school administration. The first classroom expanded to another at The Glenn Center - who's long time educator (still influencing children, now as the Superintendent level) was Ken Simeone. These programs ran consecutively for nearly 8 years, until I opened my business in late 2009.

Times are different now. But... are they?

The need for social emotional learning is never more critical. All human beings need support - some just a short chapter, others for life, to reach their full potential.

As a whole, the need for intentional programs which support social-emotional development is growing faster than we can recognize, and provide vital toolkit that impact the future.

This is one of those opportunities.

I am soo pleased to announce the pilot program, in collaboration with:
Katy Watson and Tyler Watson - The Centered Foundation hosted by Kelly Snyder - Troy Rec
Facilitated by Heather Krey and myself, as well as 5 of the Greatdogs in Residence.
And an ever growing list of incredible community sponsors.

This multi-dimentional 5- week program will provide participants with a toolkit by matching them with Greatdogs in Residence to build self confidence, teamwork and leadership skills, become more resilient, centered and mindful. The learning enviornment is a judgement free space where dogs, and people are free to ask questions, and explore the limitless ways these tools have a positive impact equally, for dogs and people alike.

This program will guide participants to advocate for oneself and others, and freely allows for experiential learning to discover the impact building an intentional relationship with these very special dogs can have on social emotional growth that goes beyond the classroom, to reach their full potential.

Today was a very exciting milestone, as Heather and I co-facilitated the content of week 1 to an incredible test-audience, who each committed their whole selves to engaging and providing feedback.

Photos: left 2002 CC Griffin Middle School. " Canines Can Change" graduating class.

Focus group: Right (today) Brooklyn and Opal pose with Fyfer after their feedback session.

05/02/2024

I wrap up today feeling overwhelmed with emotion, hope and purpose. Gratitude.
Warning...lengthy read ahead.

Link and I embarked on a training afternoon together. He has been on the bench, only showing here and there. His medical alert training was completed months ago - he is proficient and has shown this sporadically here and there. I've been grapling with the public access training because he tends to have a lot to say (a vocal dog doesn't always make the best service dog candidate).

Today... it was my aim to get serious about consistency and clear communication for Link, to evaluate where he might want to go in his next chapter. He immediately altered his behavior, quiet and still - happily lying next to me in a more than active downtown afternoon. This was a milestone.

We sought someone to greet, and see how the diversion would impact his work of maintaining a quiet, working mentality.

As we chatted with our newfound friend, I noticed a distinct change in Link's demeanor. At first..it baffled me. His ears laid back, his body became soo soo still...in fact, eerily so... and he stood by my side with a quiet energy that I've never experienced from him before. As I chatted with our new friend, I kept a watchful eye on Link... as he maintained his position by my side, his nose began covering more and more area until he landed his nose on the pocket of our friend. She had began petting him, just moments before - but it wasn't this engagement that created the change in Link... I watched quietly as he persistently pushed his nose into her pocket space and that's when I noticed a very subtle nudge. He carefully pushed his nose until I noticed the small clear tubing coming from our newfound friends pocket. He checked in with me as if to say..."hey...see this?"

I waited for a break in conversation and asked our friend " are you, by chance aware of what Link is being trained to do for others? He is learning to recognize changes in blood sugar? And hopefully become a medical alert service dog."

My friend immediately reached into her pocket and checked the screen of her device - she took the time to explain that it was reading level.
As we chatted a bit longer, Link chose to rest beside me, but not as settled as before... quiet, yet restless. A few minutes later - Link shuffled in his space, and quietly barked. Upon checking again, my friend shared that the levels were on the move - increasing!

The part that makes this real for me, the part that really brings tears to my eyes - is the incredible gift the dogs have to recognize their purpose in real time - and to offer it to us no holds barred, no questions asked....just here, take this love and do something great with it, I have plenty more where this came from. That is the greatest part of my experience alongside these incredible creatures

Caption: Link, born in Tiffin Ohio has had an extraordinary career with the UKC in conformation, as well as multi- earning Total Dog, SPOT and Rally Obedience Titles. He has been on the UKC Top Ten List 2 years running and is preparing for this year's Premier National Top Ten Invitational in June. This is only the beginning !

04/22/2024

Pitt first spoke about his suspicion of suffering from "face blindness" in 2013.

12/19/2023

My friend Laura Nermal Diltz snapped this photo from the concert Sunday Night.

The story behind why Swain and I ended up playing in the trombone section - the OPPOSITE side of the band is an interesting story that shows the inclusiveness the Tippecanoe Community Band has for its members.

The set up space at the last concert was tight. Really tight. The only place for the drums, and electronics was on the same side of the stage as the trumpets and horns. (That's the side I usually occupy). The bass drum was inches away from Swain's tail... intense! Lol.

As a service dog handler, it's my responsibility to know what accommodations to request... and sometimes it's just not possible or feasible to make changes - especially 20 minutes before the start of a concert. This one slipped by me, and I recognized the issue when I arrived (as opposed to the week before, which would have been more workable).

The fact that Swain handles soo much noise so readily, never crossed the minds of the set up crew - and understandably, they aren't expected to see all the arrangement idiosyncrasies ahead of time. So... that's why we arrive early. Always.

I tested Swain on the bass drum, and speakers and immediately recognized this would not be a workable arrangement. It is my responsibility to advocate for my dog at all times - even if it means leaving some place or an event. This was my decision. As I began packing up - the director, and a few folks were working to make a space for us on in the trombone section. The opposite side of the band. They pulled together and helped carry my stand, a chair, my horn and music- my music! Oh no! I forgot my music in the van!! Swain got right to work mapping us back. Despite the fact that I dropped my music in the parking lot, it was pitch dark and I wasn't even sure I had all my pages.. Swain was already mapping me back to the correct door. What a fiasco! Lol. Onward we went....

A quick, and all hands on deck transition was made...and before I could set up completely in my little nook, Swain had already made three new friends and settled quietly beside me, as I scrambled to re organize my music.

The acceptance and welcoming of Swain and myself is never unnoticed and I always feel so blessed to be a part of this organization. Finding inclusive and reasonably accommodating groups - especially those who work together to find alternative work arounds, is rare and cherished. The real definition of unconditional ❤️.

The moment I was near tears, trying to figure out (on my own, or so I thought) how I was going to manage the concert without Swain, and grappled with leaving altogether... I had the opportunity to be the beneficiary of a world where compassion takes priority over routine... the all-time favorite quote " this is how we always do it" is always purified by "let's find another solution".
A note about Disabilities:
It is often those with different abilities, and especially those whose challenges aren't always readily seen or noticed, it is those folks who withhold commitments in groups like this. There are times, I would be one such person. Except, because of my trained service dog, I am able to fully commit myself to the group - I even had a solo in this concert. This is one aspect that makes it harder for me to just say - it's ok, we will play next time... because I owe it to this group to show up, and be at my best... many like me, aren't as fortunate and as a result aren't able to realize their true ability and contribution... this is real to me more than ever before.

Such a blessing.

Thanks to the Tippecanoe Community Band for another amazing year! Cheers
- Jenni Lough Watson (Francine the Flugelhorn) and Swain, Myles, Ace.