Once upon a time, a couple was at an airport and a man gave them a stuffed animal from a sales promotion. The couple eventually took the stuffed bear on a trip up north, took some pictures of the bear “on vacation”, and sent the pictures to their grandchildren. From that point, The Adventures of Dog & Bear began. The simple “stuffies” have become a staple at Blue Water Area community events that bring families together.

Jacklin and Tom Kinzer are the force behind the phenomenon. You can follow the travels of the little bear and his friend, the little dog, on their Facebook page, and you will likely see them in person at local library and outreach events. The Kinzers have a passion for reaching out to families of children living with autism, and they are skilled at bringing people together.

Jacklin Kinzer said that keeping up with the travels and appearances of the duo is a lot to manage but whenever she grows weary, she is reenergized by the miracles that seem to happen wherever they go. She said that she often sees children with disabilities have breakthroughs in communication when they interact with the little stuffed animals, and she has seen families connect through her simple project. Kinzer said those miracles are what help her continue with her personal ministry of encouraging families to play and laugh together.

Kinzer has published a book that chronicles the early adventures of Dog & Bear. It can be found in many local libraries and can be ordered online. Details are on The Adventures of Dog & Bear Facebook page.

Along with managing the appearances of Dog and Bear, the Kinzers have made their 38-acre farm, located north of Capac, available for the public to use, by appointment, for trail walking, scavenger hunts, and exploring.

Kinzer said that her mission is to remind families to embrace simplicity and to “make tiny moments feel like big moments”. She always includes gratitude in her storytelling.

To find out more about The Adventures of Dog & Bear, check out their Facebook page.

To learn more about the Kinzer Family Farm, take a look here.

To invite Dog & Bear to an event, send a message to jacklinfc@hotmail.com.

You can see Dog & Bear this weekend at BBQuick’s and Scoops in Wadhams.