Dogs plus kids equals fun.  At Winstead Elementary School it also equals learning.  John Fetner of Interquest Canine Detections of West Tennessee recently put on an assembly for Winstead students as part of Red Ribbon Week.  John used his four-legged companions Raven, Tory, and Gus to drive home several important points. 

      "We're going to demonstrate to the kids that there is a great deal to growing up and there are distractions as they are growing up," says Fetner.  "And just like dogs, the kids themselves are also going to have to learn things like sitting still, being quiet, paying attention.  When they are able to do that, they're able to learn.  When they’re able to learn, they’re going to choose success."

     Fetner also taught important lessons about how to avoid pitfalls and temptations that can keep them from life's bigger prizes.

     "There are temptations with kids, as there are temptations with dogs.  And we’re going to put some temptations out here for some of these dogs, and let the kids see that these dogs can work through that."

     These temptations for the dogs included "Scooby Snacks" placed along a path to a much larger bone.  But for kids, those temptations may be drugs or alcohol standing in the way of their success. 

         CLICK HERE for a video piece on Winstead Elementary School's assembly featuring John Fetner and his dogs!