In this “pawndering” episode of God and Our Dogs, host Meg Grier is joined by Curtis Bissonette — a 20+ year Boerne resident and Director of Transportation Projects at Valero — to reflect on a K9 story from Sheriff Al Auxier about police dog Renee, who was redirected from guide dog work to law enforcement and thrived. Curtis connects Renee's story to his own career journey and to training his young Labrador Retriever, Grace, drawing parallels about purpose, calling, and the patience God shows us as we grow into who He designed us to be.

Curtis also shares about Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries' youth mentoring program, which has 60+ students waiting for mentors. Learn more at hillcountrydailybread.org.

 

0:00 – Intro / Welcome

1:28 – Guest intro: Curtis Bissonette

2:14 – Al Auxier's K9 story: Renee finds her purpose

3:57 – “Pawndering” begins: Curtis reflects on Renee's story

5:06 – How do we know when we're blossoming?

5:50 – Grace the puppy & knowing your pedigree/potential

7:26 – Discouragement, stumbling, and God's heart posture

9:05 – Catching yourself as a trainer; God as perfect Father

9:40 – "I am the vine": pruning, growth, and returning to God

11:25 – Training Grace, pruning ourselves, strong will & patience

12:39 – Hill Country Daily Bread youth mentoring program

14:17 – Closing / How to find the show

 

🐾 Subscribe, share, and stay at GodAndOurDogs.com

📻 Tune in Saturdays on Boerne Radio 103.9 FM

 

Host:  Meg Grier - Stories@GodAndOurDogs.com

Website:  www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072683640098 

God and Our Dogs airs every Saturday at 11:15am on Boerne Radio 103.9FM - www.boerneradio.com.

Air Date:  05/16/26

In this &ldquo;pawndering&rdquo; episode of God and Our Dogs, host Meg Grier is joined by Curtis Bissonette &mdash; a 20+ year Boerne resident and Director of Transportation Projects at Valero &mdash; to reflect on a K9 story from Sheriff Al Auxier about police dog Renee, who was redirected from guide dog work to law enforcement and thrived. Curtis connects Renee's story to his own career journey and to training his young Labrador Retriever, Grace, drawing parallels about purpose, calling, and the patience God shows us as we grow into who He designed us to be.
Curtis also shares about Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries' youth mentoring program, which has 60+ students waiting for mentors. Learn more at hillcountrydailybread.org.
&nbsp;
0:00 &ndash; Intro / Welcome
1:28 &ndash; Guest intro: Curtis Bissonette
2:14 &ndash; Al Auxier's K9 story: Renee finds her purpose
3:57 &ndash; &ldquo;Pawndering&rdquo; begins: Curtis reflects on Renee's story
5:06 &ndash; How do we know when we're blossoming?
5:50 &ndash; Grace the puppy &amp; knowing your pedigree/potential
7:26 &ndash; Discouragement, stumbling, and God's heart posture
9:05 &ndash; Catching yourself as a trainer; God as perfect Father
9:40 &ndash; "I am the vine": pruning, growth, and returning to God
11:25 &ndash; Training Grace, pruning ourselves, strong will &amp; patience
12:39 &ndash; Hill Country Daily Bread youth mentoring program
14:17 &ndash; Closing / How to find the show
&nbsp;
🐾 Subscribe, share, and stay at GodAndOurDogs.com
📻 Tune in Saturdays on Boerne Radio 103.9 FM
&nbsp;
Host:&nbsp; Meg Grier - <a href="mailto:Stories@GodAndOurDogs.com">Stories@GodAndOurDogs.com</a>
Website: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072683640098">www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072683640098</a>&nbsp;
God and Our Dogs airs every Saturday at 11:15am on Boerne Radio 103.9FM - <a href="http://www.boerneradio.com./">www.boerneradio.com.</a>
Air Date:&nbsp; 05/16/26

Meg Grier talks with people just like you to discover a new perspective by relying on God the way our dogs rely on us.  Sign up for more content and contests at www.GodAndOurDogs.com 

God and Our Dogs airs every Saturday Morning at 9am on Boerne Radio 103.9FM - www.BoerneRadio.com.

Meg Grier talks with people just like you to discover a new perspective by relying on God the way our dogs rely on us.&nbsp; Sign up for more content and contests at <a href="http://www.GodAndOurDogs.com">www.GodAndOurDogs.com</a>&nbsp;
God and Our Dogs airs every Saturday Morning at 9am on Boerne Radio 103.9FM - www.BoerneRadio.com.

God And Our Dogs with Meg Grier

God And Our Dogs - Curtis Bisonette PAWNDERING with Al Auxier  5-16-26

God and Our Dogs – "Pawndering" with Scott Kappel ft. Stan Leach

In this pawndering episode, host Meg Greer listens to a dog story from Scott Kappel about his three dogs — Gemini, Knight, and Copper — then ponders its spiritual lessons with Stan Leach, athletic director for Boerne ISD and one of Texas's most successful high school basketball coaches.

Scott's dogs, though from different backgrounds (and two from the same litter), are completely different: Knight retrieves tirelessly all day, while Copper refuses to fetch but is tall, affectionate, and always by your side. Scott admits he's still figuring out what Copper is "good at" — and catches himself before he discounts him, noting Copper is just sweet and loving.

Meg and Stan draw rich parallels between the dogs and human identity in God's eyes: every person is uniquely gifted, comparison dishonors God, humility is central to faith, and saying "yes" opens doors in ministry. Stan reflects on how success in one area doesn't make you an expert in everything, and how trials reveal character. The episode closes with a look at Boerne ISD spring athletics.

Timeline

0:00 – Intro

0:30 – Welcome & show overview with Meg Greer

1:15 – Introduction of guest Stan Leach

1:45 – Scott Kappel's dog story begins: meet Gemini, Knight, and Copper

3:00 – Knight vs. Copper: one retrieves endlessly, the other won't fetch at all

4:30 – Ponder begins: different gifts, same family — what can we learn?

6:00 – Stan: "I'm still trying to figure out what Copper's good at" — embracing purpose

7:30 – Quote: "The race is only with ourselves" — don't compare

9:00 – Sports analogy: teams need guards, forwards, and centers — all roles matter

10:30 – The importance of humility and depending on God, not ourselves

12:00 – Waiting on God's timing; how we handle things when they don't go our way

13:30 – Persistence as testimony; how others watch how we respond

14:30 – Boerne ISD spring athletics update (track, golf, tennis, baseball, softball)

16:00 – Closing remarks & outro

Host:  Meg Grier - Stories@GodAndOurDogs.com

Website:  www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072683640098 

God and Our Dogs airs every Saturday at 11:15am on Boerne Radio 103.9FM - www.boerneradio.com.

Air Date:  05/09/26

God and Our Dogs &ndash; "Pawndering" with Scott Kappel ft. Stan Leach
In this pawndering episode, host Meg Greer listens to a dog story from Scott Kappel about his three dogs &mdash; Gemini, Knight, and Copper &mdash; then ponders its spiritual lessons with Stan Leach, athletic director for Boerne ISD and one of Texas's most successful high school basketball coaches.
Scott's dogs, though from different backgrounds (and two from the same litter), are completely different: Knight retrieves tirelessly all day, while Copper refuses to fetch but is tall, affectionate, and always by your side. Scott admits he's still figuring out what Copper is "good at" &mdash; and catches himself before he discounts him, noting Copper is just sweet and loving.
Meg and Stan draw rich parallels between the dogs and human identity in God's eyes: every person is uniquely gifted, comparison dishonors God, humility is central to faith, and saying "yes" opens doors in ministry. Stan reflects on how success in one area doesn't make you an expert in everything, and how trials reveal character. The episode closes with a look at Boerne ISD spring athletics.
Timeline
0:00 &ndash; Intro
0:30 &ndash; Welcome &amp; show overview with Meg Greer
1:15 &ndash; Introduction of guest Stan Leach
1:45 &ndash; Scott Kappel's dog story begins: meet Gemini, Knight, and Copper
3:00 &ndash; Knight vs. Copper: one retrieves endlessly, the other won't fetch at all
4:30 &ndash; Ponder begins: different gifts, same family &mdash; what can we learn?
6:00 &ndash; Stan: "I'm still trying to figure out what Copper's good at" &mdash; embracing purpose
7:30 &ndash; Quote: "The race is only with ourselves" &mdash; don't compare
9:00 &ndash; Sports analogy: teams need guards, forwards, and centers &mdash; all roles matter
10:30 &ndash; The importance of humility and depending on God, not ourselves
12:00 &ndash; Waiting on God's timing; how we handle things when they don't go our way
13:30 &ndash; Persistence as testimony; how others watch how we respond
14:30 &ndash; Boerne ISD spring athletics update (track, golf, tennis, baseball, softball)
16:00 &ndash; Closing remarks &amp; outro
Host:&nbsp; Meg Grier - <a href="mailto:Stories@GodAndOurDogs.com">Stories@GodAndOurDogs.com</a>
Website: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072683640098">www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072683640098</a>&nbsp;
God and Our Dogs airs every Saturday at 11:15am on Boerne Radio 103.9FM - <a href="http://www.boerneradio.com./">www.boerneradio.com.</a>
Air Date:&nbsp; 05/09/26

God And Our Dogs - Stan Leech PAWNDERING with Scott Kappel  5-9-26

In this pawndering episode, host Meg Grier shares Lori Hocuk's story of her Labrador Retriever Annie — a fetch-obsessed dog who, after suffering a stroke-like spinal injury, was finally motivated to push through painful rehab by the one thing she loved: a tennis ball. Guest Ross Powell, founder of Hope for Hounds and Vice President of Canines for Christ, reflects on Annie's singular focus as a metaphor for keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus through every season of life. The conversation touches on spiritual focus, community support, God's unique calling for each person, and Ross's work with the Blessed Land Foundation in Zambia.

0:00 – Intro & Welcome

0:28 – About the show & this week's pawndering format

1:15 – Introducing guest Ross Powell

1:45 – Lori Houck's story: Annie the fetch-obsessed Lab

2:56 – Annie's spinal stroke & rehab breakthrough (the tennis ball!)

4:44 – Ross reflects: staying focused like Annie — Hebrews 12:2

5:25 – On success, failure, and relying on God — Colossians 3:1-2

7:05 – Our unique relationships with God & the value of our gifts

7:55 – Community: how we help each other through hardship

8:45 – God knows what motivates us, just as the dog's owner did

9:24 – Everyone has a unique calling in the body of Christ

9:24 – Ross introduces Blessed Land Foundation (Zambia)

10:50 – How to find Blessed Land Foundation: BLFZambia.org

10:52 – Closing & how to find the show

In this pawndering episode, host Meg Grier shares Lori Hocuk's story of her Labrador Retriever Annie &mdash; a fetch-obsessed dog who, after suffering a stroke-like spinal injury, was finally motivated to push through painful rehab by the one thing she loved: a tennis ball. Guest Ross Powell, founder of Hope for Hounds and Vice President of Canines for Christ, reflects on Annie's singular focus as a metaphor for keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus through every season of life. The conversation touches on spiritual focus, community support, God's unique calling for each person, and Ross's work with the Blessed Land Foundation in Zambia.
0:00 &ndash; Intro &amp; Welcome
0:28 &ndash; About the show &amp; this week's pawndering format
1:15 &ndash; Introducing guest Ross Powell
1:45 &ndash; Lori Houck's story: Annie the fetch-obsessed Lab
2:56 &ndash; Annie's spinal stroke &amp; rehab breakthrough (the tennis ball!)
4:44 &ndash; Ross reflects: staying focused like Annie &mdash; Hebrews 12:2
5:25 &ndash; On success, failure, and relying on God &mdash; Colossians 3:1-2
7:05 &ndash; Our unique relationships with God &amp; the value of our gifts
7:55 &ndash; Community: how we help each other through hardship
8:45 &ndash; God knows what motivates us, just as the dog's owner did
9:24 &ndash; Everyone has a unique calling in the body of Christ
9:24 &ndash; Ross introduces Blessed Land Foundation (Zambia)
10:50 &ndash; How to find Blessed Land Foundation: BLFZambia.org
10:52 &ndash; Closing &amp; how to find the show

God And Our Dogs - Ross Powell PAWNDERING with Lori Houck  5-2-26

Host Meg Grier sits down with Veronica Brown — owner of the popular Bernie Bar Salvador Dobbs and Marketing & Advertising Director for DAS Festival — to talk about the beloved Dachshund Races at DAS Festival in Boerne, TX.

From hilarious stories of dachshunds refusing to run (or running the wrong way), to heartwarming moments of dogs finally spotting their owners at the finish line, this episode is full of laughs and unexpected spiritual insights. Meg draws connections between the Dachshund races and life's journey with God — from Romans 5:3-5 on endurance and hope, to 1 Corinthians 9 on running with purpose.

🎯 In this episode:

What DAS Festival is and when it takes place (Father's Day Weekend, June 19–21, 2026)

Behind-the-scenes stories from the Dachshund Races

Tips for training your dachshund to race

How to volunteer or sponsor DAS Festival

Spiritual reflections on running the race of life

Podcast Show Notes / Summary:

Episode: Dachshund Races, DAS Festival & Running the Race of Life

Guest: Veronica Brown, DAS Festival Marketing Director & Owner of Salvador Dobbs

In this episode, host Meg Greer welcomes Veronica Brown to talk about the Dachshund Races at DAS Festival — a Father's Day Weekend celebration in Boerne, TX (June 19–21, 2026). Veronica shares funny and heartwarming stories from the races, including dachshunds that refused to move, ran the wrong way, or — in one memorable online video — knocked competitors out of the race one by one before winning.

Meg weaves these dog race stories into spiritual reflections: like us, dogs sometimes freeze at the starting line, head the wrong direction, or get distracted. But with patience, love, and the right motivation, they find their way to the finish. Scripture references include Romans 5:3–5 (suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope) and 1 Corinthians 9 (not running aimlessly).

Tips for racing your dachshund: Practice at home with distractions, use a unique command or whistle, and bring treats!

Get involved with DAS Festival:

Volunteer: dasfestival.org (signup genius on site)

Sponsor: Contact heather@dasfestival.org

Community contribution: $100 to support the festival

Follow: DAS Festival of Boerne on Facebook & Instagram

God and Our Dogs is the Saturday Dachshund Race sponsor for DOS Festival 2026.

Paw·nder this: What lessons is God trying to teach you through your dogs today?

 

📍 DAS Festival: dasfestival.org

📻 God and Our Dogs on Facebook | BernieRadio.com

🎙️ Stream on the Bernie Radio App or your favorite podcast platform

Host:  Meg Grier - Stories@GodAndOurDogs.com

Website:  www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072683640098 

God and Our Dogs airs every Saturday at 11:15am on Boerne Radio 103.9FM - www.boerneradio.com.

Air Date:  04/25/26

Host Meg Grier sits down with Veronica Brown &mdash; owner of the popular Bernie Bar Salvador Dobbs and Marketing &amp; Advertising Director for DAS Festival &mdash; to talk about the beloved Dachshund Races at DAS Festival in Boerne, TX.
From hilarious stories of dachshunds refusing to run (or running the wrong way), to heartwarming moments of dogs finally spotting their owners at the finish line, this episode is full of laughs and unexpected spiritual insights. Meg draws connections between the Dachshund races and life's journey with God &mdash; from Romans 5:3-5 on endurance and hope, to 1 Corinthians 9 on running with purpose.
🎯 In this episode:
What DAS Festival is and when it takes place (Father's Day Weekend, June 19&ndash;21, 2026)
Behind-the-scenes stories from the Dachshund Races
Tips for training your dachshund to race
How to volunteer or sponsor DAS Festival
Spiritual reflections on running the race of life
Podcast Show Notes / Summary:
Episode: Dachshund Races, DAS Festival &amp; Running the Race of Life
Guest: Veronica Brown, DAS Festival Marketing Director &amp; Owner of Salvador Dobbs
In this episode, host Meg Greer welcomes Veronica Brown to talk about the Dachshund Races at DAS Festival &mdash; a Father's Day Weekend celebration in Boerne, TX (June 19&ndash;21, 2026). Veronica shares funny and heartwarming stories from the races, including dachshunds that refused to move, ran the wrong way, or &mdash; in one memorable online video &mdash; knocked competitors out of the race one by one before winning.
Meg weaves these dog race stories into spiritual reflections: like us, dogs sometimes freeze at the starting line, head the wrong direction, or get distracted. But with patience, love, and the right motivation, they find their way to the finish. Scripture references include Romans 5:3&ndash;5 (suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope) and 1 Corinthians 9 (not running aimlessly).
Tips for racing your dachshund: Practice at home with distractions, use a unique command or whistle, and bring treats!
Get involved with DAS Festival:
Volunteer: dasfestival.org (signup genius on site)
Sponsor: Contact heather@dasfestival.org
Community contribution: $100 to support the festival
Follow: DAS Festival of Boerne on Facebook &amp; Instagram
God and Our Dogs is the Saturday Dachshund Race sponsor for DOS Festival 2026.
Paw&middot;nder this: What lessons is God trying to teach you through your dogs today?
&nbsp;
📍 DAS Festival: dasfestival.org
📻 God and Our Dogs on Facebook | BernieRadio.com
🎙️ Stream on the Bernie Radio App or your favorite podcast platform
Host:&nbsp; Meg Grier - <a href="mailto:Stories@GodAndOurDogs.com">Stories@GodAndOurDogs.com</a>
Website: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072683640098">www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072683640098</a>&nbsp;
God and Our Dogs airs every Saturday at 11:15am on Boerne Radio 103.9FM - <a href="http://www.boerneradio.com./">www.boerneradio.com.</a>
Air Date:&nbsp; 04/25/26

God And Our Dogs - Curtis Bisonette PAWNDERING with Al Auxier 5-16-26

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