The Proper Pup

08/25/2026

I recently went to work with these two cuties, Peter and Dozey, on nipping and jumping. Can you guess which one is the jumper? The clue is in the name… 😁🥰 Both quickly took to the lesson and were behaving like the perfect gentleman and lady in no time. Jumping is very common because we humans often encourage it… unknowingly. And nipping is often a case of meeting an anxious doggo too quickly… with too much eye contact and a lot of excitement. Learning your dog’s boundaries and body language while teaching your own boundaries goes a long way towards having a well-mannered pup. Do you have a pup with boundary issues or one that you struggle to read their boundaries as well? I can help with that! DM me to get started!

08/22/2026

Our boy JJ is one spectacularly proper pup! 😍🐶🥰

We are so honored to care for JJ, an incredible therapy dog who reminds us every day of the power of compassion, connection, and unconditional love. 🐾❤️

And JJ’s story is extra special: he’s a pit bull who was adopted from a shelter, proving that we truly shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. 📘

A little clarification that often gets overlooked: therapy dogs provide comfort and emotional support to other people in settings like hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and care facilities. Service dogs, on the other hand, are specially trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability and have different legal protections. 🐕‍🦺

The difference JJ makes is undeniable. He shows us that kindness, purpose, and a loving heart can come from the most unexpected places. 💙🐶

Never judge a dog—or a person—by the label on the outside. Sometimes the greatest gifts come from the stories we least expect. 😍

08/20/2026

Welcome Team Gunner to AKC STAR Puppy training! Gunner is such a sweet boy and so eager to learn. Found as a stray, then turned foster fail, Gunner has a team of people (and pupper siblings) to cheer for him and help him become the goodest boy ever! Can’t wait to see all the places he will go. 🥰🐶 ⭐️

08/08/2026

Ma**er loves love. Sometimes his joy overwhelms him! On our Saturday walks I’m not asking him to stay in a robotic heel the entire time, only when we are passing someone closely on the trail. But it’s taken him a long time to understand that he has to stay close, even if it’s not a heel, even when the greatest of temptations are around. So many reps have gone into teaching him that he can be happy at the sight of kids and soccer balls but he cannot always join their play. I’m proud of my sweet-hearted lovebug for using the utmost restraint today! ❤️🐶⚽️🥹😁

08/01/2026

I’m so proud of this guy! 💙🥰

🐾💙 Meet Beau, Our Therapy Dog! 💙🐾

At North Lee, we know that learning happens best when students feel safe, supported, and cared for—and Beau is an important part of creating that environment!

Beau serves as our school therapy dog, providing comfort, encouragement, and a calming presence for students and staff throughout the school day. Whether he’s greeting students in the morning, visiting classrooms, listening to a student read, or simply offering a quiet moment during a difficult day, Beau has a special way of bringing smiles wherever he goes.

We’re so thankful to have Beau as part of the North Lee family. His gentle personality and unconditional love help make our school an even more welcoming place for everyone.

We can’t wait for our Rams to see Beau back on campus this year! ❤️💙

07/31/2026

Therapy dogs Beau and Mabel had an amazing visit at the VA TN Valley Healthcare Clinic today! They were able to bring comfort and kindness to many veterans and their families. ❤️ 🇺🇸 It is an incredible honor to serve those who served. And a big shoutout to Marine veteran and Volunteer Coordinator Joshua Green for making it possible.

07/29/2026

First day on the job at Walker Valley High School for Miss Oakley! I know she is going to bring so much love to the students and faculty. ❤️ I hope she and and all of her new friends have the best year ever.

07/29/2026

Congrats to AKC STAR Puppy grad Ruthie! This girl is such a sweet nanny dog to her kiddos and has the best bo**ie wags in the biz. When Ruthie grows up, she wants to be an Olympic diver. 🤣 🏅Do you have a puppy who is dreaming of a career? I can help with that! DM me for more.

07/14/2026

Many of you know my pack of 3 incredible dogs but… this is Bella… a sort of adopted member! She belongs to a dear friend of mine. I did a board and train with Bella a few years ago and her greatest need was regular exercise. Her person isn’t able to walk her though so, Bella and I get together for walks twice weekly. She is an absolute gem and her obedience is on point! So much so that when she walks by another dog on leash that isn’t under control… she tries to correct it. 🤣 So if you see Bella and me walking, and I take her off to the side and ask for her attention, it’s not because I’m worried your big dog will hurt her! It’s more for the protection of your big dog! 🤣

07/14/2026

Yesterday I had the honor of helping Ladybug regain some of her independence! The paralysis in her back legs came on pretty quickly and her mom, and Vietnam veteran dad, recognized she was a little depressed… She couldn’t get up and be with them the way she always has. Ladybug is only 8 years old and still has a lot of life and love to give (witness her perked ears). The second she realized she could get to her people with her new ride, she was off! Back on duty again taking care of her humans! 🩷