Misty Jo was never meant to become the face of a nonprofit. She was simply a deeply loved Border Collie whose owner cared enough to ask one important question:
“Who will care for my dog when I’m gone?”
That single question, and one extraordinary act of planning, became the foundation of Misty Jo Dogwatch.
Many people assume Misty Jo Dogwatch began with one rescued dog. In reality, the seeds were planted decades earlier.
Growing up, Tiffany’s father worked in the insurance industry. Whenever one of his clients passed away, another small dog often found its way into their home.
Those experiences quietly shaped Tiffany’s understanding that pets are family, and that when life changes unexpectedly, someone has to step forward.
Roger Davenport was unlike most people. He was a retired nurse, a generous supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and a volunteer who dressed as Santa Claus to visit senior living communities.
A quiet man who never married, had no children, and lived a remarkably modest life. But there was one constant in Roger’s world: a Border Collie named Misty Jo.
Roger understood one day Misty Jo might outlive him, so he established funding specifically for her lifelong care.
– Tina Parsley Hughes
One ordinary day, Tiffany received a call from Tina. Roger had unexpectedly passed away.
The next morning, they collected Roger’s personal belongings from the hospital. They also picked up Misty Jo.
She climbed into the back seat of Tiffany’s car, confused, overweight, grieving, and suddenly without the only family she had ever known.
As Tiffany looked in the rearview mirror during the drive, she realized something. She couldn’t let this dog become someone else’s responsibility.
Although her records suggested she didn’t get along with children, other dogs, or cats, the family quickly discovered a very different dog.
Misty Jo slowly settled into life with Tiffany, her husband Jack, their son Charlie, their Great Pyrenees Frank White, and the family cats.
For nearly two years, Tiffany’s family was blessed with the opportunity to give Misty Jo the loving retirement Roger had hoped she would have.
When Misty Jo eventually passed away, something remarkable remained.
Roger’s trust had been carefully planned. After every expense for Misty Jo’s care had been covered, approximately $23,000 was still available.
Instead of allowing those funds to simply disappear, Tiffany and Tina recognized an opportunity.
What if Roger’s planning could continue helping other dogs? What if one dog’s story became the beginning of something much larger?
From that question, Misty Jo Dogwatch was born.
Today, Misty Jo Dogwatch continues the promise Roger made to his best friend: to make sure no beloved companion is left without a plan.
Roger establishes
a trust for
Misty Jo
Misty Jo enters
Tiffany's life
Two unforgettable
years together
Misty Jo
passes
Misty Jo Dogwatch
is established
Dogs helped
and counting
The next
chapter begins
Sometimes we help an elderly widow who can no longer care for multiple dogs after losing her spouse. Sometimes we help someone moving from a family home into a small apartment.
Sometimes we receive dogs from animal control with no records, no medical history, and no one searching for them.
Sometimes we simply become the safe place where a senior dog can spend the rest of its life surrounded by love.
No two stories are alike.
Every one of them matters.
Roger planned ahead because he loved his dog. That decision gave Misty Jo a second family. It inspired a nonprofit. It has already helped numerous dogs find safety, comfort, and new beginnings.
His legacy reminds us that estate planning isn’t only about protecting our families. It’s also about protecting the companions who have loved us every single day of their lives.
Because every best friend deserves a plan.
Whether you’re creating a plan for your own pets, opening your home as a foster family, volunteering your time, or making a donation, you become part of the story that Roger began.
Together, we can ensure that no dog faces an uncertain future simply because life took an unexpected turn.
Our mission is to provide advocacy, education, planning resrouces, and support for dogs whose futures become uncertain due to changes in the owner’s circumstances.
Misty Jo Dogwatch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
EIN: 93-3731566
