Consultant – Empathic Paws

To Love Like Judge

Image April 27, 2025April 27, 2025Dr. Jessica MaricevicLeave a comment

It’s taken me time to write this—maybe because putting it into words means admitting he’s really gone. But grief has a strange way of nudging us forward—through moments of kindness, memory, and unexpected connection.

You see, the other day I received a friendly question from a local gas station attendant. His question opened the door to this reflection, reminding me that Judge’s presence didn’t just change my life—it left a mark on others, too.

I stopped for gas, and the attendant—always kind and jovial—leaned ever so slightly in through the window with a warm smile.

“Where’s your big dog friend?” he asked, looking toward the back seat as if Judge might be curled up, ready to pop his head up—as was the norm.

I felt the weight of the words before I even spoke. But I said them. The attendant’s face shifted—genuine heartbreak in his expression. He wanted to know what happened to my friend, so I told him.

I thanked him for remembering Judge, for asking, for seeing us. He gave me a fist pump, “I’ll be thinking of you.”

The gas station attendant’s words and supportive fist-pump immediately brought me back to a warm summer evening walk a few seasons ago. An older gentleman on his evening stroll passed us and paused, his eyes soft with admiration. “Magnificent,” he said, nodding. “Simply magnificent.”

At the time, I thought he was talking about Judge, and he was, because Judge was magnificent—“magical,” to quote my son. But today, I wonder if the neighborly observation was referring to us—our bond, our rhythm, the strength in how we moved together, how we communicated.

There was something sacred in my connection with Judge, something that didn’t need to be explained—only admired for the authentic love it displayed. It was beautiful.

Intersectionality of Time and Space

The comment at the gas station isn’t so different from the one that summer day. Both came from strangers who saw something beautiful in our everyday. Both moments remind me that Judge’s legacy isn’t just the love he gave me—it’s the way he made people stop and feel something.

People gravitated toward him. Kids, neighbors, delivery drivers, the mailman who kept treats in his pocket just for Judge—they all felt it.

I’ve come to realize that people didn’t just see a beautiful dog when Judge was around—they felt something in his presence. There was a gentleness about him, a knowing. He carried himself with quiet confidence, never asking for attention but always drawing it.

It wasn’t just that he was loyal or smart or handsome or protective, though he was all of those things. It was the way he made people feel seen, safe, and loved—without needing words. He had that rare gift.

Love Like Judge

You know, whenever I posted a picture of Judge to Instagram, it was usually accompanied by the #mustlovejudge hashtag—a playful twist on the early 2000s rom-com Must Love Dogs. It became my unspoken rule, the standard for who I let into my life, into our life: “Must Love Judge.” If you didn’t get Judge or love him, you probably didn’t get me—or love me—either (not to mention our entire pack). Now, after losing him, I see that phrase a little differently.

It’s not enough to have loved Judge. The real challenge, the real calling, is to love like Judge—offering the same quiet comfort walking with people through joy and sorrow, listening without needing to speak, being loyal, steady, and present.

I once heard that grief is just love that has nowhere to go. I’m not sure I’ll ever be over the loss of Judge—and honestly, I don’t think I want to be. But my everlasting love for Judge does have somewhere to go.

The way forward is to carry what he taught me into every space I enter and meet the world with the same unwavering heart and the same quiet grace. This is Judgie’s Yoda-like life lesson I know he wants me to carry forward, reminding me to hold steadfast to my ability to love unconditionally, to always remember that I am deserving of that same unconditional love from the universe, and to encourage others to do the same.

So I choose love—the kind that asks for nothing but gives everything. The kind that lingers, even after goodbye.

I choose to love like Judge.

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been so incredibly supportive and kind throughout Judge’s battle—and through everything since. Your calls, texts, DMs, beautiful flowers, cards, handmade drawings, thoughtful gifts, hugs, and check-ins have lifted us all in ways I can’t fully put into words.

Every gesture, no matter how big or small, has been a testament to the love you had for Judge—and for us.

My wish for you is simple but sincere:

May everyone in this world be lucky enough to experience a love like Judge in their lifetime.

And may we all honor that gift by paying it forward—simply by loving like Judge.

Thank you for standing with my pack. Thank you for loving us through our heartbreaking loss.

We love you,

Jess, Jacob, Daisy, Bravo, & Bud

✌️🫶🐾

The Honorable Judge

The Privilege of a Second Chance

Image February 17, 2025February 17, 2025Dr. Jessica MaricevicLeave a comment

Reunited with Judge • February 16th, 2025

I was given two options: immediate surgery or I needed to say goodbye. The surgery wasn’t guaranteed, the risks were high, and there was no promise of a miracle. But when I looked into Judge’s eyes, I knew it wasn’t time for us to part.

You see, his eyes told me everything—full of life, determination, and an unbreakable spirit that’s always defined him. And in those eyes, I saw a Rolodex of memories and moments in which Judge never gave up on me. Not once. Through every high and low, he’s been there, my constant, my protector, my best friend. How could I possibly give up on him now?

The doctors were honest. They told me the risks, the during and post-operative possibilities. But they also told me Judge was strong with an excellent heart—minus a bum spleen, Judge was a relatively healthy German Shepherd. It was all I needed to hear.

But making that choice was a privilege.

Emergency surgery isn’t just a matter of love and loyalty—it’s a matter of resources. It requires financial stability, access to specialized care, and the ability to take time away from life’s other responsibilities to be fully present for recovery. Not everyone has that choice. For many, the cost of life-saving surgery for a pet is simply out of reach. For others, the lack of nearby medical facilities or the inability to take time off work becomes the deciding factor.

When I stood at that crossroads, I was painfully aware of this privilege. I had a support system that rallied around me, offering love, prayers, and help with life’s other demands. I had access to my own veterinarian, the Veterinary Emergency Group, and Cornell’s exceptional veterinary team which carried out the life saving surgery. Without any one of those things, the outcome could have been heartbreakingly different.

This awareness weighed heavily on me because I know so many people face the same gut-wrenching decision without the resources to choose hope. I was able to fight for Judge because I had the privilege to do so. But others have to make the hardest choice of all—not because they don’t love their pets just as fiercely, but because life’s realities leave them no other option.

Judge isn’t just a dog. He’s my family, my guardian, my heart. He’s watched over my son, protected our home, and shown me a love so pure it’s changed me for the better. He is the reason why I started my entire dissertation over and focused on the adolescent-animal bond in secondary settings. In Judge, I saw the power of connection, the depth of loyalty, and the healing power that only a dog’s love can bring. His impact on my life was profound enough to shape my career, my research, and my purpose.

Today, the doctors are hopeful. Even with three liters of blood in his abdomen, the surgery was clean, a successful splenectomy, and Judge is home healing. He’s eating like the picky king of the castle that he is, back to reigning over his Mötley crew, his spirit as unbreakable as ever. Watching Judge return to himself, sneaking back to his spot on the couch, seeing that familiar spark in his eyes cataloging another memory together—it’s nothing short of a miracle.

Judge’s road to recovery won’t be easy, but he’s here, alive, because he never gave up and because I had the privilege to fight for him—just as he’s always fought for me. But for those who aren’t given that choice, my heart aches.

I will never take for granted the opportunity I had to fight for Judge and will advocate for solutions to ensure all pet parents can make balanced choices for the well-being of their furry family member—without having to choose between love and necessity. It’s my hope that one day, every pet parent will have the freedom to choose what’s best for their pet, without limitations.

I want to sincerely thank the veterinary teams at White Plains Animal Hospital, Veterinary Emergency Group of White Plains, and Cornell University Veterinary Specialists of Stamford. Your expertise, compassion, and dedication have meant everything to our family and Judge. You’ve given us more than just a second chance—you’ve given us hope. I am forever grateful for all you’ve done to give us back our Judgie Boy.

Building Trust, One Paw at a Time: Using an Extracurricular Club to Introduce Therapy Dogs in Schools

Image February 2, 2025February 3, 2025Dr. Jessica MaricevicLeave a comment

Many educators and school leaders recognize the benefits of therapy dogs in academic settings but hesitate to implement a full-scale program due to knowledge gaps, logistical challenges, financial constraints, or policy concerns. A Therapy Dog Club offers a structured, low-risk way to introduce animal-assisted therapies, easing leadership apprehensions. In fact, I strongly recommend beginning the therapy dog implementation process in this way to build trust in the program’s effectiveness while addressing concerns in a controlled environment.

So let’s dive in together as I define the concept of a Therapy Dog Club, outline its benefits, and provide a brief guide to getting started.

What is a Therapy Dog Club?

As I define it, a Therapy Dog Club is a student-led, faculty-advised group that brings trained therapy dogs into a school environment on a scheduled basis. The club provides a structured, low-risk way for students and staff to interact with therapy dogs, typically for emotional support, stress relief, and social engagement. It allows students to experience the benefits of animal-assisted interventions without the immediate need for implementing a full-time therapy dog program.

Participation is voluntary, making it an accessible option for a wide range of students. In my view, a Therapy Dog Club operates on a smaller, flexible scale, bringing therapy dogs into the school on specific days rather than having a resident dog on campus daily. Additionally, a Therapy Dog Club may meet after school or during designated extracurricular periods, which can be particularly appealing to school and district leaders.

Benefits of a Therapy Dog Club

Eases Administrative Concerns

Even with strong research supporting the benefits of therapy dogs, one of the biggest barriers to implementation is navigating perceptions, assumptions, and stereotypes. A club helps schools challenge misconceptions and test the waters before committing to a full-time therapy dog program. It also offers:

• Student Autonomy – Participation is voluntary, so students who are uncomfortable around dogs or have allergies can simply opt out. This eliminates concerns about mandatory exposure in classrooms or common areas.

• Waivers for Participants – Schools can require students (and guardians, if necessary) to sign waivers acknowledging participation and understanding any risks. This adds a layer of protection for the school and provides transparency for families.

• Gradual Implementation – Schools can observe how students and staff interact with therapy dogs before considering a larger-scale program. This allows time to refine policies, address concerns, and build community support.

Provides Emotional and Social Benefits for Students

A Therapy Dog Club offers many of the same emotional and mental health benefits as a full program. Interacting with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost social interactions—all of which can be particularly helpful for students struggling with anxiety, academic pressure, or social isolation (Maricevic, 2022).

Fosters Student Leadership and Engagement

A Therapy Dog Club empowers students to take on leadership roles by organizing events, coordinating with therapy dog teams, and advocating for expanding the club into a full program. Giving students ownership fosters responsibility, teamwork, and community engagement.

Strengthens Community Partnerships

Starting a club opens the door to collaborations with local therapy dog organizations, shelters, or animal-assisted therapy programs. Schools can invite certified therapy dogs for visits, partner with community groups for educational sessions, or create service-learning opportunities where students volunteer with therapy animals.

Gathers Data to Support a Future Program

If a school is hesitant about implementing a therapy dog program, a club can serve as a pilot initiative to collect data on the impact of animal-assisted therapies. Surveys, testimonials, and anecdotal evidence from students, teachers, parents, and other key stakeholders can provide compelling reasons to expand the club into a permanent program.

How to Start a Therapy Dog Club

Identify a Faculty Advisor – A teacher, counselor, or staff member passionate about student well-being and animal therapy can oversee the club.

Partner with Local Therapy Dog Organizations – Certified therapy dog teams can schedule regular visits to meet with students.

Plan Activities – Meetings can include guest speakers, stress-relief sessions, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy efforts for therapy dog programs.

Involve Students – Let students lead initiatives, create outreach materials, and develop events.

Implement Waivers – Have students (and their guardians, if needed) sign participation waivers to ensure transparency and address liability concerns.

Final Thoughts

A Therapy Dog Club is a low-risk, high-reward way for schools to explore the benefits of therapy dogs before committing to a full program. It fosters a positive school culture, supports student mental health, and builds a foundation for a larger initiative in the future.

If your school is on the fence about a therapy dog program, starting with an extracurricular offering might be the perfect first step. By starting small and scaling thoughtfully, schools can introduce therapy dogs in a way that minimizes risks, maximizes benefits, and paves the way for a sustainable, well-integrated program.

The Key to UC Davis Health’s CARE Project: The Canine Companion

Image February 26, 2024February 27, 2024Dr. Jessica MaricevicLeave a comment

The Impact of Therapy Dogs in the Healthcare Setting

“The newest canine CARE team dog, Landon, is popular not only with patients, but with employees, who enjoy seeing him on the job” (Houser, 2024).

I recently read a social media post by Canine Companions in which the organization highlighted therapy dog Landon and his involvement in the UC Davis Health’s CARE (Creativity, Amenities, Relaxation, Exploration) Project. UC Davis Health takes great pride in the CARE Project, with a focus on treating the whole patient: mind, body, and spirit, its mission goes beyond conventional medical approaches, and recognizes the therapeutic power of what may at first seem to be unconventional—the human-animal bond.

In a healthcare environment, where stress and anxiety can be overwhelming, the introduction of therapy dogs like Landon serves as a beacon of hope and motivation. The partnership between UC Davis Health, Landon and his volunteer handler, Pat Tull, exemplifies the profound impact animals can have on the well-being of individuals facing health challenges. You see, Landon’s supportive role to patients and staff alike, not only highlights the significance of certified therapy dogs but also emphasizes the compassion and comfort they bring to those undergoing hospitalization, and those delivering the medical care.

The CARE Project and UC Davis Health’s commitment to the human-animal bond contributes to patients’ emotional well-being and encourages their active engagement in treatment, which fosters a holistic approach to healthcare. Katie Lorain, the creative arts and recreation therapy manager of the CARE Project, observes patients moved to tears upon encountering a therapy dog, which underscores the transformative nature of these interactions. Lorain’s observations of the patient-therapy dog relationship in the health care setting serves as a testament to the unique and invaluable role that animals can play in enhancing the human experience, especially in challenging circumstances.

The emotional response of patients, often moved to tears at the mere sight of these canine companions, speaks volumes about the profound connection forged in these moments. Let the story of therapy dog Landon and UC Davis Health’s CARE Project remind readers of the healing power embedded in the simplicity of a wagging tail and a comforting presence. Let Landon, and his fellow pawesome therapy dogs, reinforce the idea that, sometimes, love at first sight can come in the form of a furry friend bringing solace and security during moments of vulnerability.

To learn more about Landon and UC Davis Health’s CARE Project, please read Nick Houser’s January 2024 piece, Introducing UC Davis Health’s newest four-legged team member, Landon.

The Canine Advantage: Enhancing Mental Wellness in Professional Sports

Image February 25, 2024February 25, 2024Dr. Jessica MaricevicLeave a comment

Dr. Jessica Maricevic’s 5 Key Advantages of Including Therapy Dogs to Your Professional Sports Organization

In the high-stakes world of professional sports, the physical prowess of athletes often takes center stage, leaving their mental well-being in the shadows. As teams strive for excellence, it’s crucial to recognize the holistic needs of their players.

One innovative approach worth exploring is the inclusion of therapy dogs to support the mental wellness of athletes and foster a healthier organizational environment. Below is an overview of my research-based advantages of including therapy dogs to your professional sports organization (Maricevic, 2022):

1. Stress Reduction and Anxiety Management:
Professional athletes face immense pressure, both on and off the field. Introducing therapy dogs to the team dynamic can provide a natural and effective means of stress reduction. Numerous studies have shown that interacting with dogs can lower cortisol levels and release oxytocin, promoting a sense of calm and reducing anxiety. In high-stakes situations, a therapy dog could be a game-changer in helping athletes manage stress.

2. Team Cohesion and Communication:
A therapy dog can serve as a unifying force within the team, fostering camaraderie and open communication. The presence of a non-judgmental companion can break down barriers, encouraging athletes to connect with each other on a more personal level. Improved team dynamics can translate into better on-field collaboration and synergy.

3. Mental Resilience and Performance Optimization:
Success in professional sports often hinges on mental resilience. Therapy dogs can aid in developing this resilience by providing unconditional support during challenging times. Athletes may find comfort and motivation in the consistent presence of a loyal companion, enhancing their mental fortitude and ultimately contributing to better performance outcomes.

4. Enhancing the Team Environment:
A therapy dog isn’t just beneficial for individual athletes; it can positively impact the entire team environment. A relaxed and supportive atmosphere can contribute to increased job satisfaction, lower burnout rates, and a more positive organizational culture. Teams that prioritize mental wellness are likely to attract top-tier talent and retain experienced athletes.

5. Community Engagement and Brand Image:
Beyond the team’s internal dynamics, incorporating a therapy dog can bolster community engagement and enhance the organization’s public image. Athletes participating in community events alongside therapy dogs can create a positive and relatable image, fostering a deeper connection between the team and its fan base.

While there is no guarantee that the inclusion of a therapy dog will bring the championship at the end of the season, the mere presence of the therapy dog in your professional sports organization represents a progressive step toward prioritizing the mental wellness of athletes and creating a healthier team environment. By recognizing the symbiotic relationship between mental and physical well-being, teams can position themselves at the forefront of athlete care, ultimately contributing to sustained success on and off the field.

It’s Cool to Be Kind

Image June 9, 2023June 9, 2023Dr. Jessica MaricevicLeave a comment

For those of you new to @empathicpaws, I am Dr. Jessica Maricevic, humane-ed reform and animal-assisted therapies advocate, and I am so very glad you’re here.

My most recent original graphic design is inspired by the words of comedian and humane advocate, Ricky Gervais. Let’s further the conversation around the interconnectedness of the human-animal relationship and social-emotional competency development and use Mr. Gervais’s words as a springboard.

The human-animal bond serves as a positive influence upon one’s social-emotional competency development, the sustainability of SECs and subsequent evolution of these traits throughout a person’s lifetime. And with that in mind, more consideration is needed within learning organizations on ways to infuse the human-animal relationship to further the radius of influence upon the social capital within the organization.

Allow Mr. Gervais’s words along with my original visual creation to serve as a conversation starter around the human-animal bond and the need to increase opportunities for such bonding in the high school setting.

Let Me Remind You

Image February 25, 2023February 25, 2023Dr. Jessica MaricevicLeave a comment

An excerpt from my most recent blog, “Dog Save the People: My Conversation with John Bartlett.”

21st century students need more of the tangible, more ways to feel safe, secure, valued and loved, with opportunities to reciprocate those feelings towards another, without judgement (Maricevic, 2022).
Dr. Jessica Maricevic

Why therapy dogs? Why now?

This pseudo post-COVID America has unearthed a tremendous amount of pain, a pain some have tried desperately to suppress, or flat out ignore. Secondary stakeholders who acknowledge the macro reality of the invasive impact of the current geo-political climate are better equipped to consider the micro implications in the high school setting. And to those stakeholders who believe they must personally observe the influence of the macro reality in the micro setting, see with their own eyes presentable evidence of societal stressors, complex anxieties and invisible traumas to adequately address the social and emotional needs of students…

Well, read a little bit more of this post, because today’s high school students are carrying more than a load of books and a laptop with little to no storage.

So say you.

I’ll hold off on the details of my own research and findings for the time being simply to prove you don’t need to read academic journals and peer reviewed articles to establish an understanding of this crisis.

Yet, even with their respective leans, the conscious decision to report on the social and emotional concerns of teens suggests a unified effort to convey the severity of this stark reality.
Dr. Jessica Maricevic

Here are some statistics presented from three national cable news outlets within the last 12 months:

An image I captured from my television during an early morning CNN live broadcast (February 14, 2023).

Read Elizabeth Pritchett’s article in its entirety: Teenage brains aged faster…

April 26, 2022 segment from MSNBC’s Morning Joe; guest Harvard University’s John Della Volpe.

Understand, the above sources are a mere snapshot of reporting from three national cable news outlets, and yes I am well aware each source brings with it their own distinct bias. Yet, even with their respective leans, the conscious decision to report on the social and emotional concerns of teens suggests a unified effort to convey the severity of this stark reality.

It is extremely important to note the three news outlets referenced here in this post have observed an increase in viewership during the years of 2016 – 20220 (Pew Research Center, 2023). The research suggests such an increase in viewership is most likely connected to presidential elections, societal conflicts, and the coronavirus pandemic (Pew Research Center, 2023).

Hypothetically, if the Pew Research Center reports either (1) a decrease the numbers of viewers, (2) a plateau of viewership (it remains at its current rate), or (3) a continued upward viewership trend for the period of 2020-2023, millions of Americans would still receive the message loud and clear, teens are hurting, they need something more, and it’s up to the adults in their lives to make it happen.

Cable News Fact Sheet

Back in my day…

As students go from class to class, they carry the weight of the world and the plight of America’s transgressions on their shoulders, they are accompanied by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, feeling down, and depressed. And then, some students hold their breath when a school wide announcement interrupts a class period without warning, flinch upon hearing an unsuspecting sound, and ask what if questions the day after cable news outlets, those very outlets referenced above, consume airwaves with incessant reporting of yet another unthinkable event.

Even with all of this chaos, students aren’t desensitized by their reality. They remain hyper vigilant, in-tune to their emotional responses, and astute to the emotional affect of others in their orbit. But that doesn’t mean they are okay.

The last thing adolescents need is another adult telling them how to manage life as a teenager, or why they need grit and perseverance to get through “these unprecedented times.” Unfortunately, the reality for today’s teens requires more than “Back in my day” talks and harping on trendy jargon (I wish it were that easy). Couple that with the contradictory expectations to prioritize emotional wellbeing and academic performance— students need something more than whatever is provided at the secondary level to meet or exceed their social and emotional needs.

I can hear stakeholders’ “yeah, but…” phrases, ready to launch their counter claims:

Yeah, but their grades are fine.

Yeah, but they’re participating in sports.

Yeah, but they’re not alone in the cafeteria.

Yeah, but they’re taking selfies.

Yeah, but they’re friends with that student; they’re not a bully.

Yeah, but they seem happy.

It’s time to stop assuming. It’s time to stop dismissing the teenage experience. It’s time to start listening, and infuse differentiated support systems that are more real-world centric.

21st century students need more of the tangible, more ways to feel safe, secure, valued and loved, with opportunities to reciprocate those feelings towards another, without judgement (Maricevic, 2022).

Establish a therapy dog program (start today).

Now more than ever, therapy dogs are a viable resource to meet those needs for all high school students— no matter the zip code, regional location or poverty designation of a given school or district.

Yeah, but…

I know, I know! You’re asking yourself, “Yeah, but what about the challenges?” Mitigating challenges, is a totally different blog all together, but believe you me, I’ve got it all covered. I will tell you this, any perceived challenges from fears to allergies can be addressed to ensure the efficacy of board policy and the sustainability of an in-house therapy dog program in your high school (Maricevic, 2022).

This is my original gif which includes slides displaying my research and findings. These slides appeared in my Fall 2022 presentation to members of Association of Professional Humane Educators (and that presentation was an awesome experience).

I’ll also tell you that any stakeholder who flat out says no to an in-house therapy dog program to meet the social and emotional needs of students, is saying no for the sake of saying no (Maricevic, 2022). Don’t forget it.

The student-therapy dog relationship in the high school setting is an indelible, transformative fixture, a relationship with the infinite ability to transcend the four year high school experience. My findings suggest the omnipresence of a therapy dog in the high school setting does more than influence the social-emotional competency development in adolescents (Maricevic, 2022). In fact, the organic development of the student-therapy dog relationship may very well be the antidote to [feel free to fill in the blank to reflect the needs of your students and high school] (Maricevic, 2022).

My study reveals much more about the therapy dog phenomenon, its profound impact on secondary students and the high school setting. I’m proud to say my study also exposes inequities that must be addressed to ensure all students are afforded the opportunity to benefit from the student-therapy dog relationship during their high school years.

The above is a mere snippet of some of the points touched upon during my conversation with John Bartlett, host and founder of Dog Save the People. I encourage you to listen to the podcast in its entirety through any of the following platforms:

Dog Save the People
My Linktree
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

And let’s connect! Share your thoughts! Questions! I look forward to it.

It’s Never ‘Just’ a Walk

Image February 21, 2023February 24, 2023Dr. Jessica MaricevicLeave a comment

Even though you might think otherwise, an outing with your doggo is never just a walk. Found moments for cognitive stimulation, whether one-on-one with a doggo, like here with Judgie Boy or the entire pack, requires just as much from me, the human, as it does for my doggo(s). It also allows me to stay current with my doggo’s communicative ways and presents opportunities for creative ingenuity to keep the fun fresh (yes, even when revisiting cognitive challenges for practice, that’s fresh-fun too)!

Our human-animal bond is strengthened by infusing opportunities for cognitive stimulation when on any venture together. And it’s this active-time spent together that invigorates the body, mind & emotions; allows for new perspectives to the world on a micro & macro level; cultivates empathy… it’s never just a walk.

So give it a try! Spice up the active-time with your doggo. Start small. Make it manageable. Enhance the good stuff you’re already doing. Consider your usual active routine & possible on-the-spot opportunities the routine itself may provide (i.e. setting), try-out an added layer of cognitive stimulation (like I’m doing here with weaving between the pillars), evaluate your doggo’s response to the activity, reassess & revise as needed.

There is one non-negotiable, no negative reinforcement! If your doggo presents a hesitant response to the added activity, respect the presentation of the doggo’s feelings with love & reassurance. Empathize with your doggo, even say “let’s try again tomorrow,” & resume the enjoyable aspects of the routine as you and your doggo have established. Build upon the fun and cognitive stimulation, love the moment, love your doggo for trying something new, & give yourself a pat on the back while you’re at it, your efforts are noticed by the one who matters, your doggo.

Don’t have a doggo but still want “in” on some of this good stuff? Here are a few ideas:

Join a friend on a walk with their doggo(s)
#Volunteer at a local animal shelter
#Foster! Give some one-on-one active time to a doggo who needs it most! The result (1) you adopt the doggo or (2) get that doggo ready for their furever family
#Share this post with others
Connect with me ✌️❤️🐾

Collaboration, in any organization, is key— especially when the goal is to create an inclusive environment for all individuals to feel valued and respected. The people within an organization, for the most part, want to experience an enriching workplace. Some may even wish to pay it forward.

Five years ago, a fellow English teacher and myself wanted to do just that, pay it forward. We took it upon ourselves to complete our Google Certification. We taught an in-district summer professional development course. We were selected to present at an annual English Teachers Conference in Albany, New York.

Our vision, The Trendy English Teachers, was coming to fruition, website and all. Unfortunately, the vision was placed on the back-burner, and not entirely from our doing alone.

Once the 2022-2023 school year rolled around, my fellow English teacher (yes, that same fellow English teacher), shared how she wished to somehow participate in my school building leadership internship experience. Like many other educators, my colleague is very much aware of the strengths she has to offer to the organization. Me, being the collaboration, true collaboration, advocate that I am, excitedly said, “Of course!”

So, as we always do, we got to work.

We sat down, made a tentative date and schedule for school-day availability, how we would construct courses based on teacher-driven needs. What would that look like? How would that look? What is required of us, and our participants (faculty and staff), to prepare for, and participate in, meaningful, voluntary, school day professional learning opportunities?

We listed “trendy” articles, “trendy” videos watched on social media, and shared our own “trendy” creations with one another.

We made a list of all the topics to cover, the target audience, the faculty. But there are others to consider, like the staff members of our building. The staff need to be equipped with the technology foundation because students look to them for support and guidance.

Would we include the administration? Yes! Of course! Why not? If the administration suggests technology be used in the 21st century classroom, then they too should have the knowledge of the types of technologies readily available to enhance student learning, performance and progress.

The origin of transformative change rests upon transformative leadership. Highlighting the positive contributions of others within an organization can possibly ruffle some feathers. However, the positives outweigh the negatives. As a future school building leader, I know I must honor the strengths of others within an organization. I must, in some way, make certain the individuals who wish to be directly and indirectly a part of the vision and mission’s sustainability be included, supported, and celebrated for their efforts.

#TrendThePositive