Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Johnson.
Hi Catherine, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
“Just being with him brings me so much peace,” the young woman said as we walked together. She lived in an adult foster home and had asked to join me on my neighborhood walk with my dogs. The “he” she was referring to was Eli Blue, my white German Shepherd pup. Eli had a calm, gentle presence and eyes that seemed to invite people in. Over the years, he and I connected with countless individuals, and I witnessed the unique power of a canine’s presence in moments of pain and trauma.
We began formal obedience classes with Eli and his new companion, a hound named Carolina. My hope was to have them both certified as therapy dogs to work alongside me in my coaching practice. But life shifted unexpectedly. First, COVID halted in-person work, and then Eli passed away suddenly from a brain tumor. Everything came to a halt.
In 2022, I was invited to visit a group of young women in a detention center. During my visit I shared stories about our dogs, many of whom had experienced extreme neglect or abuse before coming to live with us. One dog in particular—Remi, who had endured the worst—captured their attention, and they asked if they could meet her. After consulting with our canine behaviorist, we agreed. My world shifted again that day as I witnessed healing happening in real time, for both the girls and the dog. I started envisioning a new kind of work.
For the next two years, Remi and I visited the students weekly. As Remi healed, we began formal therapy dog training for her and for our older girl, Carolina. The students were fascinated by the training process and wanted to help. That was when I realized it was time to pursue the vision that began years earlier with the beautiful white dog Eli. Both dogs completed their training and were certified for therapy work, and I went on to complete my own education to become a canine trainer.
This year, under my coaching nonprofit, REN Collaborative, I launched White Dog Blue, with a mission to bring together canine training and mental health—cultivating an inspiring space where people and dogs are valued, understood, and empowered to thrive. Our programs include youth development, recovery and life transitions assistance, therapy dog visits, and canine-assisted reading. The standout program is the TRUE BLUE Youth and Canine Leadership Academy, which pairs young people with a canine partner for hands-on training experiences that build leadership, responsibility, and essential life skills.
I’m grateful to now work with my own dogs in my coaching practice and to support others in building meaningful relationships with theirs. I look forward to continuing my education in the therapy-dog field and to helping both people and dogs grow, heal, and thrive together.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not a smooth road, and yes, many struggles. I did not have a clear vision, only pieces of things I could see and experience that I knew needed to be together. Another common experience was putting in a lot of work and then having outside factors push it to the side. Loss, death, finances, life changes all have impacted the process both negatively and positively.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love seeing people find the hope, courage and resources they need to flourish. My professional and person life have been filled with many moments of being a small part of helping others find each of these things. Learning how to value and cherish others was strongly inspired by my experience with the canine companions who have shared their lives with me. The profound healing I found in my life and ever growing understanding and compassion come from my faith in Christ Jesus. The creativity and art in my life are an overflow, out of that faith. I love creating spaces of time and experiences for myself, family, friends and others which are safe, challenging, and inspiring. this is what I am most proud of.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love living in a small town full of life. The simple things are celebrated, the big things are honored. I have seen and experienced our churches, schools and businesses supporting individuals and families in difficult times. I also love the small town traffic while living close enough to the bigger areas for needs. I would love to see some of the older dilapidated buildings and properties cleared away. A fresh clean look and space to inspire healthy growth in our college town.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.catherinejohnson.org/white-dog-blue
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063884900798
