In this episode of "God and Our Dogs," host Meg Grier welcomes Dennis Blocker, a war dog trainer, handler, and author of "The Dogs I've Known in Two Wars: Iraq and Afghanistan." Dennis shares fascinating stories about training war dogs, the special bond between handlers and their dogs, and how these experiences have deepened his faith. The conversation explores the parallels between recognizing subtle signs in dogs and noticing God's guidance in our lives. Listeners will hear about real-life moments from the field, lessons on trust, and the importance of paying attention to the "just noticeable differences" in both canine and spiritual relationships.

Tune in for inspiring stories, practical wisdom, and a unique perspective on faith, trust, and the incredible role of dogs in our lives.

 

Timeline

0:00 – Introduction & Show Overview

1:02 – Guest Introduction: Dennis Blocker

1:17 – War Dog Training Techniques

2:24 – Real-life Story: Bomb Detection on Patrol

5:22 – Spiritual Parallels: Recognizing God’s Signs

9:48 – Change of Behavior: Lessons from Dogs & Faith

11:03 – Trust, Growth, and Rewards in Faith

12:21 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

13:47 – Outro & Where to Find More

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of "God and Our Dogs" with host Meg Grier features a bonus conversation with veterinarian Marissa Klein. They discuss the purpose and gifts of dogs, how pets have provided emotional support especially during challenging times like COVID, and how these experiences relate to understanding our own purpose and spiritual gifts. The conversation draws parallels between the roles of dogs and the way people can find purpose and direction through faith, scripture, and recognizing their own gifts. Biblical references and practical advice are shared for listeners seeking to discover their purpose and spiritual gifts.

Timeline

0:00 – Introduction to the show and host Meg Grier.

0:40 – The show’s theme: learning from dogs about trust, transformation, and relationships.

1:03 – Introduction of guest: Veterinarian Marissa Klein, and the concept of bonus conversations.

1:33 – Marissa shares her perspective on the purpose of dogs and how it relates to God’s purpose for all creatures.

1:56 – Discussion on how recent years (especially during COVID) have highlighted the importance of pets for emotional support and purpose.

2:24 – The role of pets in giving owners a sense of purpose, especially during difficult times.

3:08 – How to discover one’s purpose: building a relationship with God through scripture, prayer, and self-reflection.

3:45 – The power of God’s word in times of struggle and the importance of grace.

4:47 – Writing to God, praying for oneself and others, and seeking purpose for others.

5:07 – Recognizing that everyone has spiritual gifts and talents, even if we are self-critical.

5:29 – Accepting compliments and using gifts for God’s glory, not personal pride.

6:11 – All gifts are important; analogy of the body and its parts working together.

6:24 – The unique role of veterinarians and the miracle of how bodies function and heal.

7:11 – Biblical examples of purpose: Ruth, Esther, and references to Ephesians.

8:03 – Discussion of spiritual gifts in Ephesians, Romans, and Corinthians; the importance of love.

8:52 – Final thoughts: Purpose provides direction, and the Bible is a roadmap.

10:40 – “Paw-nder” thought: How does your dog rely on you, and how can you rely on God in the same way?

11:03 – Closing remarks, where to find the show, and encouragement to tune in next week.

 

Host:  Meg Grier - [email protected]

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:  11/15/25

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "God and Our Dogs," host Meg Grier welcomes guest Robin Lowman to reflect on the ways we can rely on God as our dogs rely on us. The show features a story from LouAnn Wagner about the protective and comforting role her childhood dogs played in her family. Meg and Robin discuss themes of trust, grace, and the difference between striving for approval and resting in God’s unconditional love. They draw parallels between the steadfastness of dogs and the firm foundation found in faith, encouraging listeners to embrace grace and build their lives on the promises of Christ.

00:00 – Introduction to "God and Our Dogs" and host Meg Greer

00:41 – The show’s purpose: learning from dog stories about trust and transformation

01:04 – Today’s “Pawnder” episode and guest introduction: Robin Lowman

01:38 – Lou Ann Wagner’s story: childhood dogs as protectors and companions

02:08 – Discussion: comfort and safety provided by dogs

03:14 – Changing times: childhood freedom and parental trust

03:52 – Robin’s reaction: modern dogs and the idea of “having a job”

04:05 – Conversation shifts to faith: grace vs. works, earning vs. receiving love

05:11 – Parallels between how we love our dogs and how God loves us

06:01 – The message of the cross: “It is finished”—resting in God’s love

06:36 – Living from abundance, not striving for approval

07:04 – The pressure to achieve in society vs. the peace of faith

07:28 – “Be still and know that I am God”—finding certainty in faith

07:53 – Returning to Lou Ann’s story: trust and foundation

08:14 – Building life on the “rock” of Christ vs. the “sand” of uncertainty

09:11 – The meaning of hope in faith

09:41 – The parable of the wise and foolish builders

10:11 – The sufficiency of the cross and assurance in salvation

10:43 – Sealed in Christ: security and freedom from fear

11:07 – Closing thoughts and gratitude to Robin

11:37 – Outro: where to find the show, social media, and next episode preview

 

Host:  Meg Grier - [email protected]

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:  07/19/25

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "God and Our Dogs" on Boerne Radio, host Meg Grier welcomes John Tipton, a private investigator and host of the Texas Examiner. John shares heartfelt stories about his dog Festus, discussing the lessons learned from Festus’s journey with diabetes, the bond between dogs and their families, and how these experiences have deepened his faith. The conversation explores themes of trust, resilience, and relying on God, drawing parallels between our relationships with our dogs and our relationship with God. Tune in for inspiring stories, faith reflections, and a unique perspective on life’s challenges.

00:00 – Introduction to "God and Our Dogs" and today’s guest, John Tipton
00:49 – John introduces Festus and how he joined the family
01:43 – Festus’s early days and bond with John’s son
02:52 – Festus’s love for car rides and adapting to blindness
03:26 – Discovering Festus’s diabetes and John’s own health journey
04:55 – Managing Festus’s diabetes and his adaptation
06:18 – Life lessons from Festus: resilience and joy
07:00 – Faith reflections: Matthew 6:34 and James 1:2
08:48 – John’s personal faith journey and turning to God
10:08 – Parallels between Festus’s trust and faith in God
10:56 – John’s work as a private investigator and podcast host
11:49 – Combining investigative work with podcasting
12:28 – Closing thoughts: relying on God as our dogs rely on us
13:08 – Show outro and where to find more episodes

Host:  Meg Grier - [email protected]

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:  11/1/25

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to "God and Our Dogs" on Boerne Radio! In this episode, host Meg Grier explores the theme of encouragement through stories from guests Dan Liberto and Mandy Jones. Discover how our relationships with dogs can teach us about giving and receiving encouragement, building community, and deepening our faith. Listen as Dan and Mandy share personal stories, biblical insights, and practical tips for fostering encouragement in our lives and relationships.

00:00 – Introduction by Meg Grier
00:25 – The show’s theme: Encouragement and community
00:51 – Guest introductions: Dan Liberto & Mandy Jones
01:26 – Dan Liberto on encouragement, transparency, and brotherhood
03:33 – Lessons from dogs: Comfort during adversity
04:34 – Dogs as man’s best friend and human connection
05:58 – The importance of genuine engagement and encouragement
07:12 – Vulnerability and the rewards of encouragement
08:00 – More from Dan Lito: Podcast info
08:20 – Mandy Jones: Introducing a new dog to the family
09:49 – Lessons from Lily and Blue: Conflict and friendship
10:53 – Seeing God’s patience and protection in our dogs
11:55 – Proverbs 27:17: Iron sharpens iron
12:47 – Sharpening others: Light vs. darkness
13:54 – The Oreo method: Giving constructive feedback
14:36 – Praise and encouragement in dog training
15:16 – Community, encouragement, and podcast info
16:32 – Thought to "Paw-nder": What can we learn from our dogs?
16:59 – Closing remarks and where to listen
17:42 – Next episode preview and sign-off

Host:  Meg Grier - [email protected]

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:  10/25/25

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "God and Our Dogs," host Meg Grier welcomes Angie Lewis, Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending at Encore Bank in San Antonio. Angie shares the touching story of her family’s rescue dog, Gracie, and how Gracie brought comfort, healing, and faith during challenging times. The conversation explores themes of resilience, trust, and the unexpected ways God provides what we need. Angie also discusses her work at Encore Bank and offers advice for those considering rescuing a pet. Tune in for heartfelt stories and inspiring reflections on faith, family, and the special bond we share with our dogs.

Timeline

 

00:00 – Introduction to "God and Our Dogs" and host Meg Grier

00:28 – Show overview: discovering faith through dog stories

00:52 – Guest introduction: Angie Lewis, Encore Bank

01:17 – Angie’s family background and the search for a dog

02:32 – Gracie’s arrival and her unexpected traits

02:52 – Gracie’s role during her husband’s illness

03:55 – Gracie as a therapy dog and her gentle nature

04:55 – How Gracie comforted the family

05:42 – Faith, prayer, and how God provided the right dog

06:40 – Lessons about God’s plans vs. our plans

07:59 – The day they found Gracie

09:18 – Gracie’s impact after her husband’s passing

10:15 – Gracie moves to Colorado with Angie’s daughter

11:04 – Reflections on rescue: how Gracie rescued two families

11:30 – What dogs teach us about rescue and faith

12:13 – God’s faithfulness and the qualities Gracie embodied

13:20 – Advice for those considering rescuing a pet

14:28 – The importance of responsibility and patience

15:08 – Encore Bank: Angie’s work and how to connect

16:00 – Closing thoughts and contact info

16:53 – Final reflection: trusting God and transformation

17:21 – Show outro and where to listen next Host:  Meg Grier - [email protected]

 

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:  10/18/25

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "God and Our Dogs," host Meg Grier welcomes Ross Powell, founder of Hope for Hounds and Vice President of Canines for Christ, to ponder the ways we can rely on God as our dogs rely on us. The show features a touching rescue dog story from Chris Webb, exploring themes of trust, healing, and transformation. Ross shares his own experiences with dog adoption, the importance of trust, and draws parallels between our relationships with dogs and our relationship with God. The conversation also touches on the value of community, feedback, and personal growth, and concludes with information about Ross’s work with Survival 401k for entrepreneurs and first responders.

YouTube Timeline

00:00 – Introduction by Meg Grier
00:40 – The show’s purpose: learning from our dogs about trust and transformation
01:02 – Introducing today’s guest: Ross Powell
01:40 – Chris Webb’s rescue dog story: meeting a fearful dog
02:48 – Building trust with the rescue dog
04:30 – Healing and transformation: the dog’s journey
04:51 – Ross shares his own adoption story and parallels
05:28 – Discussion: Trusting God as a loving Father
06:14 – Overcoming trust issues and the role of consistency
07:19 – Biblical references: God as the potter, we as the clay
08:14 – The importance of consistency and training (with dogs and faith)
09:03 – Training, patience, and reciprocal love
09:43 – Walking the talk: demonstrating love in action
10:01 – Trying new things and learning from mistakes
10:41 – The value of community and feedback
11:17 – Mentors, friends, and God’s guidance
11:37 – Ross introduces Survival 401k and its mission
12:18 – Helping entrepreneurs and first responders with retirement
12:53 – How to contact Survival 401k
13:22 – Closing remarks and where to find more episodes
13:41 – Outro and next episode preview

Host:  Meg Grier - [email protected]

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:  10/11/25

Ross Powell: https://hope4hounds.org, k9forchrist.org

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "God and Our Dogs," host Meg Grier welcomes Melanie Bostic, General Manager of Community Impact Newspaper. Melanie shares heartfelt stories about her dogs, Sydnee and Lacey, exploring themes of trust, transformation, and the parallels between caring for dogs and our relationship with God. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of adopting a rescue dog, the importance of patience and consistency, and how these experiences reflect broader life lessons. The episode concludes with a thoughtful reflection on being the answer to someone else's prayer.

 

00:00 – Introduction to "God and Our Dogs" and host Meg Greer

00:25 – Introducing guest Melanie Bostic and her background

00:50 – Melanie’s first dog, Sydnee: the story of adoption

01:45 – Adopting Lacey: seeking an older rescue dog

03:14 – Lacey’s troubled background and adjustment challenges

04:04 – Building trust and patience with a rescue dog

06:36 – Life lessons: comfort zones, trust, and God’s guidance

10:55 – Melanie’s work at Community Impact Newspaper

11:57 – Closing thoughts and “Pawnder” reflection

12:20 – Show outro and where to listen

 

Host:  Meg Grier - [email protected]

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:  10/04/25

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "God and Our Dogs," host Meg Grier explores the theme of "Dogs and Kids." Featuring stories from Carol and Mike Schultz, and Kate Dalton, the episode highlights how family dogs teach children responsibility, love, and the importance of caring for others. The guests share personal memories of their childhood dogs, reflecting on how these experiences shaped family bonds and offered spiritual lessons about God’s love and unity. The episode closes with a thought-provoking question about the memories we create with our dogs and how they can serve as lasting "glue" for families.

Timeline

• 0:00 – Introduction & Show Overview
• 0:41 – The Role of Dogs in Family and Faith
• 1:03 – Today’s Guests: Carol & Mike Schultz, Kate Dalton
• 1:30 – Theme: Dogs and Kids, Teaching Responsibility
• 2:05 – Schultz Family: Lessons from Labrador Retrievers
• 5:15 – Kate Dalton: Memories of Rooster the Border Collie
• 8:41 – Rooster’s Impact on Family During Wartime
• 10:16 – Dogs as Family Glue & Lasting Memories
• 11:06 – Thought to Ponder: Creating Memories with Dogs
• 11:58 – Closing & Where to Listen

Host:  Meg Grier - [email protected]

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:  09/27/25

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join host Meg Grier on "God and Our Dogs" as she welcomes Debi Watson, Communications Director for Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries. Debi shares heartfelt stories about her rescue dogs—Pixel, Remy, and Charlotte—and the lessons they teach about comfort, persistence, and unconditional love. Discover how these dog stories reflect God’s constant presence, guidance, and non-judgmental love in our lives. Debi also discusses the importance of community, serving others, and the impact of Hill Country Daily Bread’s programs, including opportunities for volunteering and mentorship. Tune in for inspiration, faith, and practical ways to rely on God, just as our dogs rely on us.

Learn more at hillcountrydailybread.org and follow "God and Our Dogs" on Facebook!

00:00 - Introduction & Show Overview

00:42 - Meet Debi Watson, Guest Introduction

01:36 - Debi’s Rescue Dogs: Pixel, Remy, and Fostering

03:17 - The Surprise: Remy’s Puppies

04:02 - Keeping Charlotte: A Special Bond

05:27 - Lessons from Dogs: Comfort, Persistence, and God’s Love

07:28 - How God Guides and Comforts Us

09:14 - Staying on the Right Path: Faith and Community

10:55 - The Power of Life Groups and Accountability

12:04 - Serving Others at Hill Country Daily Bread

13:33 - Volunteer Opportunities & Summer Leadership Academy

15:22 - The Impact of Mentorship

16:43 - How to Support or Get Involved

18:11 - Closing Thoughts & Final Reflections

19:57 - Outro: Where to Listen and Connect

 

Host:  Meg Grier - [email protected]

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:  9/13/25

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.