Getting to Know You ~ With Jean Glenn & Sadie

It was a beautiful fall day when Jean Glenn and I met outside at the Starbucks. With my usual high level of professionalism, I started the meeting by going to the wrong venue and without a pen. Although sheepish, I was not anxious, as I knew Jean would make light of my shortcomings that morning. After talking with her for a bit, I learned that I was not the only beneficiary of this sweet nature. When we talked about it, Jean told me that she always tries to make people comfortable, and never wants anyone to feel left out or alone. These, and other traits I learned about her, helped me understand her passion for pet therapy work. Jean, from a young age, had dreams for her future. She has always had a heart for serving others.

 “I wanted to be a teacher and a mom,” she said with a certainty that many people wish they had. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she spent many wonderful summers in beautiful and scenic Door County. For generations, her entire family gathered there at the end of each summer. She was introduced to her husband, John, by her pastor (who is married to John’s sister). After a longdistance relationship between Wisconsin and Illinois, they married and moved to Illinois. She and John raised their two children, Daniel and Hannah, in Illinois. Three years ago, they moved to Kentucky to be closer to their son, his wife Stephanie, and new grandbaby Mila. It also has them closer to their sun-loving daughter and son-in-law, Dylan, in Florida. In addition to being a mom, Jean also achieved her career goals, spending over 25 years teaching in grades Kindergarten through third and special education classrooms. She loved being a teacher, and continues to love her role as a mom of now grown adult “children” and of course her newest role as “Nana”. The seed was planted for a pet therapy future many years ago, when her good friend brought her dog into Jean’s first grade classroom. Jean said an immediate, positive effect was seen on her students. High anxiety behaviors diminished, unconditional love was spread, and kids were able to read to a totally non-judgmental audience. The dream of working in pet therapy was reinforced when she watched her Golden Retriever, Katie, interact with special needs adults at a Fall Festival in 2019. She said Katie just “knew” how to be around them. Sadly, Katie passed before they could start pursuing work as a team.

Like many on the verge of retiring, Jean began looking ahead. It was 2020, and she was finishing up the school year on the computer (due to Covid). She said as soon as the class day ended each day, she started searching for a puppy that could become a therapy dog. “No puppy,” said her husband, John. But as Jean explained her goals for therapy work, he fully supported her. Sadie Grace, an eight-week-old puppy, came into the family in July of 2020, and quickly won John’s heart. Sadie is an elegant English Cream Golden Retriever. Some believe that pet therapy dogs are born, not trained to do the job. This was certainly the case with Sadie. At that time, Jean was tutoring elementary school age children in Illinois, and at the tender age of one, Sadie laid right next to a young reader, taking in every word. Since then, she has been a hit with people of all ages, bringing joy to everyone from a 1-year-old to 90-year elders. Upon moving to LaGrange, Jean began looking for “her people”. An extrovert by nature, she knew she needed a group. Jean and her husband found a wonderful church family. She also volunteers at HighPoint Charitable Services. Jean continued to have a yearning to do pet therapy, so after doing a bit of computer research, WAGS popped up, and she never looked back.

She said Sadie helps her break the ice with new acquaintances, giving her that extra bit of courage needed to approach new people. She wants everyone to feel as welcome at WAGS as she did, so her first volunteer efforts were with Welcome Waggers. Joining the evaluation team was another way for her to reach out and try to make people feel part of the group. She manages the Pre-Evaluation Documents and is the Evaluation Meal Coordinator, helps teach Orientation, and prepares the ambassador bags and certificates for new teams. In 2025, she will be a Co-Chair of the Social Committee. One of the many reasons she became so involved was so that she can give back to others. In the future, she would like to see a “buddy system” developed, to help new members feel that same support she has enjoyed. Jean said that the outpouring of support she received when Sadie had a medical issue made her feel even stronger about being part of the WAGS family. She encourages everyone to volunteer to strengthen their ties to the group – there is plenty to do and fun to be had!

One reason I wanted to talk with Jean was to relate to you how her pet therapy path took place. Many people assume if they have an affable dog then they are ready to begin visiting. The reality is that, starting with a puppy, reaching the end goal can take several years. Sadie and Jean attended obedience classes from beginner to advanced. They were also working on the Canine Good Citizen in Illinois before moving to Kentucky. As a Hosparus volunteer, she visited the Hosparus office building with Sadie every week for many months. They also toured the Farmers’ Market each week, went out for coffee, cruised through Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Cabella’s, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Half-Price Books, all which welcome dogs in training. She joined friends at the Outlet Mall of the Bluegrass, where dog-friendly stores have pawprints on the windows. She also experimented with a gentle leader and a harness (which they are currently using.) Due to continual practice, time spent together, and the love and patience given, Jean and Sadie are a closely bonded team, as you can easily observe on each of their visits. Jean says, “Wherever Mom is, that’s where you will find Sadie.” Jean emphasized that training is ongoing.