A new series called Dogs of Destiny recently launched for viewing – showcasing the journeys of students’ challenges, including the turning point when they made the decision to apply for a guide or service dog. Each episode shows the first meeting between a student and their allied Southeastern Guide Dog. Viewers witness their budding relationships as the dog helps the individual find a lifeline at the end of the leash, independence and confidence. 

The local woman behind finding these cherishable and inspiring stories of Southeastern graduates, puppy raisers, trainers and more? 15-time Emmy Award-winning video producer and writer Jen Noble. “On frequent drives from St. Pete to Sarasota, I’d pass a billboard that says ‘Heroes Train Here,’” shares Jen. “Each time I drove by, I’d say to myself, ‘I want to work with Southeastern Guide Dogs someday; I want to tell their stories.’ My wish came true in July 2020 when I started working at one of the most magical places in the world!” Jen joined the team at Southeastern Guide Dogs as the Executive Producer for Dogs of Destiny, just as Covid changed the face of philanthropy; local nonprofits were forced to explore innovative ways to virtually share their missions and their work. After several brainstorming sessions, ‘Dogs of Destiny’ was born. 

“I was fortunate to collaborate on this project with my brother, Mike Noble, a professional musician and songwriter in Nashville,” shares Jen. “Mike wrote the Dogs of Destiny theme song. The lyrics are poignantly written through the eyes of a service dog and capture the true essence of what Southeastern Guide Dogs is all about.”

Filmed on Southeastern's expansive campus in Palmetto, the first episode, 'Count on Me,' focused on the Southeastern Veterans Programs, and premiered last month. The second episode, 'Dear Superhero,' is set to air in April and will feature all-new stories from guide dog classes – certain to tug on the heartstrings.  “When people ask what I do for a living, I say I’m a storyteller,” says Noble. “Everybody has a story and I’m passionate about finding and sharing it.”

To view Dogs of Destiny in all its cinematic glory, watch it on your smart TV via Apple TV, Roku, or Amazon Firestick by opening the YouTube app and searching for ‘Southeastern Guide Dogs.’

Learn more about Dogs of Destiny and Southeaster Guide Dogs here.