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Classes About Janet The Dogs Need to Know Testimonials Consulting Student Writing

The Dogs

Violet, Polar Bear, and Reckless. They can't spell, but they've helped more kids become writers than they'll ever know.

Polar Bear resting his chin on the gunwale of a wooden canoe on a still lake

Polar Bear, conducting summer field research.

The roster

Violet, a yellow lab, sitting regally on a patio chair among the flowers
Head of morale

Violet

Senior member of the team. Sleeps through most first drafts; wakes up for read-alouds and snacks.

Polar Bear, a yellow lab, sitting in deep snow with a dusting on his nose
Big friendly presence

Polar Bear

Seventy-two furry pounds of encouragement, seen here in his natural habitat. Recently engaged (see below).

Reckless, a yellow lab, sitting on the lawn in front of rose bushes
Visiting staff

Reckless

Violet's brother. Lives down the street and commutes in for class days — the only staff member with a walk to work.

Violet, Zion, and Polar Bear sitting together on a mountaintop with snowy peaks behind

Staff retreat: Violet, Zion, and Polar Bear (left to right). Zion is Polar Bear's bride-to-be — the whole school is hoping for puppies this fall.

True stories

  • Students regularly arrive early — not for extra help, but for extra dog time.
  • One entire class asked to stay after the lesson ended, just to watch the dogs being fed.
  • The motto came from a student: "It's even more fun than school because it's school with a dog!"
  • Engagement announcement: Polar Bear and a chocolate lab from the mountain photo are expecting to expect. Puppies are hoped for this fall.

Nervous around dogs?

The labs are calm and gentle, and happy to keep their distance while a student warms up. Mention it when you register and Janet will manage the introductions. Parents who'd rather skip the dogs entirely can drop off and pick up from behind the red line on the driveway — the dogs are contained by an invisible fence (there's a sign at the driveway) and stay on their side of the line.

Two yellow labs on the driveway behind the red line, beside a sign reading Dogs Contained By Invisible Fence

The red line runs across the pavers; the dogs stay on the house side of it.

Allergies

The dogs live here, so the home isn't allergen-free. If your child has a dog allergy, mention it when registering and Janet will talk through options with you.

Five labs looking up expectantly from the deck outside the door

The welcome committee, with visiting members.

A pastel portrait of a yellow lab in a spiral sketchbook

Fan art: pastel portrait by Jamie's father, age ninety-six.

Come say hello

The dogs will be at the door. The big sofa is right behind them.

Register at register.writewithjanet.com