From Pasture to Purpose, Part Three: A Dream Unleashed at Pet Commander Kennels

By Brenda Stewart, Publisher, Laurens County Buzz

This article is part three in a three-part series about JBW Farms and the journey of the Watkins family as they turned faith, purpose, and vision into a flourishing homestead in Laurens County. In Part One, readers learned how Jonathan and JoDee Watkins transitioned from traditional careers to the call of farming. Part Two explored how their homestead began to take root with a strong sense of community, faith, and a growing vision. This final installment shares the story of their very first business venture on the property — Pet Commander Kennels — and how it became a place where purpose and passion run as deep as their love for dogs.

A Leap of Faith

In December 2012, Jonathan and JoDee Watkins walked into a leadership meeting at their church, preparing to make a financial commitment toward purchasing the church’s first building. Up until that point, the congregation had been meeting in local high schools. The couple had already agreed on an amount to give, but during the meeting, JoDee felt her heart begin to race. She sensed they were meant to double their commitment — something that felt impossible.

Not wanting to influence Jonathan, JoDee made a quiet deal with God. “If You really want us to double it, have Jonathan bring it up,” she prayed. Moments later, Jonathan looked at her with tears in his eyes and asked, “What do you think?” JoDee, also tearful, replied, “I think we’re supposed to double it.” Jonathan didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, me too.”

Over the next few months, the JoDee and Jonathan took turns encouraging one another whenever the pressure of that commitment weighed heavily. One week JoDee would be worried, and Jonathan would remind her that God is faithful. The next week, the roles would reverse. Their trust paid off. In April 2013, they launched a business that not only allowed them to pay off the church commitment early but opened the door to a bigger question: “How can we fulfill our purpose?”

A Calling Takes Shape

That same year, their pastor, Daniel Floyd, published Living the Dream: Uncover the Plan. Fulfill Your Purpose. The book became a guidepost for the Watkinses. As they read and prayed, a clear vision began to emerge — one that combined Jonathan’s passion for working dogs with their shared love for individuals with special needs, especially their daughter, AnneDee, who has Williams Syndrome.

Jonathan had worked with working dogs as a police officer and had developed a deep passion for the field. Inspired by both his experience and their personal connection to the special needs community — their daughter AnneDee has Williams Syndrome — the Watkinses felt called to create a dog kennel that would also provide employment opportunities for individuals with special needs.

The idea was bold but heartfelt: a dog kennel that would serve animals and give meaningful employment to people with special needs. Over the next several years, they toured kennels across the country, dreaming, designing, and gathering insight into what theirs could be.

Meanwhile, Jonathan was also honing his skills as a bird dog trainer. In 2014, he began training under the legendary Ronnie Smith — a world-renowned figure in the field. Jonathan’s talent stood out, and Smith invited him to assist with training on some of the most prestigious ranches in Texas, including the Mariposa Ranch, the 6666 Ranch, and the Norias Division of the King Ranch.

The Norias Division, used exclusively by the Kleberg family, was a private world where elite bird hunting traditions were upheld. Jonathan’s role was integral — preparing up to ten dogs daily for hunts and joining the caravan through the ranch while a team prepared fresh fajitas over an open fire for lunch breaks in the field. For several years, Jonathan traveled alone, but eventually, the entire Watkins family would spend four months each year living and working on the ranch together.

Planting Roots in Laurens County

In 2015, the Watkins family purchased over 100 acres on Greenpond Road in Laurens County. By 2016, construction was underway for Pet Commander Kennels, a luxury boarding and training facility. In 2017, Pet Commander officially opened with a simple but powerful philosophy: every dog deserves a great life.

At Pet Commander Kennels (PCK), dogs are not confined all day while their owners are away. Each dog stays in a 5×5 indoor, climate-controlled kennel with an attached 5×12 outdoor run. Dogs are guaranteed four playtimes a day, ranging from 10 to 20 minutes depending on the weather.

But it’s not just the structure that sets PCK apart — it’s the spirit.

What Makes Pet Commander Special

When you walk into the PCK lobby, you’re greeted with leather sofas, warm wood grain walls, and an undeniable sense that the people here care — not just about their facility but about your dog. The place is impeccably clean, and the Watkinses maintain a policy of transparency: no appointment is needed to tour the facility. Just stop by.

But JoDee is quick to point out that cleanliness alone isn’t what makes a kennel great — it’s the people.

Led by kennel manager Jaimee Smith, the staff is known for their kindness, attentiveness, and love for animals. JoDee recalls walking into the lobby one day to find a massive Great Dane stretched out on the couch. “What’s she doing up here?” she asked. A staff member simply replied, “She cries when she’s back there, so we just let her lay up here.” That’s the kind of heart that defines Pet Commander.

And in keeping with their mission, the kennel employs individuals with special needs, offering them not just a job but a place to belong and thrive. “Every individual God creates has a purpose,” said JoDee. “And we’re just creating a space where they can live that out.”

Training That Transforms

PCK also offers two well-regarded training programs:

• 30-Day Obedience Training (Board and Train)
  Dogs stay at the facility for a minimum of 30 days to learn basic obedience and manners. The program includes two follow-up sessions to help owners work with their dog in real-world environments like their home or a public space.
• 90-Day Hunt Training Program
  This intensive program uses the acclaimed Silent Command System developed by the Smith family. Jonathan, who trained under Ronnie Smith and holds a Gold Level certificate, is part of “Team HUNTSMITH” and brings years of field expertise to each session. The program is tailored to each dog and designed to develop top-tier hunting companions.

A Purpose-Driven Beginning

Pet Commander Kennels wasn’t just the first business on the JBW Farms property — it was the beginning of something much bigger. What started as a leap of faith turned into a place where purpose is pursued daily, where dogs are treated with dignity, and where individuals of all abilities are reminded that they matter.

It’s a story about faith, family, and the power of stepping into your calling — even when it doesn’t make sense on paper.

And for the Watkins family, it’s only the beginning.

Read the full series:

• Part One: From Pasture to Purpose – The Story Behind JBW Farms
• Part Two: From Pasture to Purpose – JBW Farms Homestead Brings Food, Faith and Community Together