The Chaser Initiative

07/23/2026

Today marks 7 years since Chaser crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Known around the world as "the smartest dog in the world," Chaser changed the way we think about dogs when her remarkable learning abilities captured global attention in 2011. Her impact on science, education, and our understanding of the human-animal bond continues to inspire people across the globe.

At The Chaser Initiative, we are proud to carry her legacy forward by introducing young people to the science, curiosity, and compassion that Chaser inspired. By sharing the discoveries her story helped unlock, we're helping prepare the next generation to shape a future with greater understanding, respect, and welfare for companion animals—and the people who love them.

Thank you, Chaser, for continuing to teach us that learning never stops.

07/19/2026

Remembering Sally Pilley on her birthdate. She was "Nanny" to world-renowned canine, Chaser the Border Collie, known as "the smartest dog in the world." While Chaser was John's research partner, she was Sally's baby. At Christmas 2003, Sally informed her husband, "John Pilley, you're getting a Border collie puppy for Christmas. But you have to wait until sometime this spring before we can go out to Wayne West's and bring the puppy home. He or she hasn't been born yet. I don't want to hear any arguments. This is already done." And so began the legacy of John Pilley and Chaser. Thank you, Sally Pilley (July 19,1934-October 25, 2019).

07/03/2026

06/18/2026

Yesterday marked the 8th anniversary of the passing of Dr. John Pilley, whose groundbreaking work with Chaser the Border Collie changed how the world thinks about canine cognition, learning, and the human-animal bond.

To honor his legacy, The Chaser Initiative spent the day doing what Dr. Pilley loved most—educating and inspiring others. We had the privilege of presenting to more than 70 campers and staff at the Boys & Girls Club of Gilmer County, Georgia, alongside Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068784638089

Together, we celebrated the remarkable story of Chaser and explored the importance of humane, science-based approaches to teaching, learning, and living alongside our companion animals. By sharing Dr. Pilley’s work, we continue his vision of curiosity, kindness, and evidence-based understanding of the animals who share our lives.

Thank you to the Boys & Girls Club of Gilmer County for welcoming us and helping us keep this important legacy alive.

Interested in bringing a Chaser Initiative program to your school, camp, library, or community organization? Email us at [email protected].

Stay curious. Be kind. Play more.

06/18/2026

Great day yesterday with FOGAS and Boys and Girls Club.

05/07/2026

A huge thank you to Abner Creek Middle School for welcoming us into your school!
It truly warms our hearts to share Dr. Pilley's inspiring legacy with your incredible 8th graders. At the core of his life's work was a powerful belief: every dog possesses a natural instinct — and when you give a dog the opportunity to express that instinct through play, you open the door to extraordinary learning. The joy that radiates from a dog living out its purpose is something that never gets old to witness!
We hope today's visit sparked the same curiosity in your students that Chaser sparked in the world — a deeper wonder for animal intelligence, the science of learning, and the remarkable bond between humans and dogs.
We are so excited to continue partnering with schools in the upcoming school year. If you'd like to bring the Chaser Initiative to your classroom, reach out — we'd love to connect!
[email protected]
www.chaserinitiative.com

05/07/2026

The Chaser Initiative's Chaser Innovation Fellow for Canine Welfare, Dr. Mia Cobb, discusses her Happy Dog Science Project. Listen to the end to hear about Dr. Pilley and Chaser!!

Linden chats to Dr Mia Cobb, Chaser Innovation and John McKenzie Research Fellow at The University of Melbourne. Mia shares her career journey that led her to be a canine welfare researcher. Dogs do so much for us, but how can we use science to make sure we are giving them their best lives?

04/26/2026

Our hearts are so full after receiving the most wonderful coloring sheets from an amazing kindergarten class after our presentation 🎨🐾

Each one was a work of art, and Eli, the therapy dog, loved every single one!

We are especially grateful for this school, as it holds a very special place in our story. Almost five years ago, after the COVID shutdown, Cleveland Academy was the very first school to welcome us and help us begin. That moment sparked a journey that continues to grow today.

To the students, teachers, and staff—thank you for your kindness, your creativity, and your continued support over the years. It means more than words can say.

04/24/2026

We had the sweetest surprise waiting for us—beautiful thank you notes for Mia the Newfoundland therapy dog, and presenters, from a wonderful kindergarten class at Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary School🐾💛

Mia (and all of us!) felt so loved reading each and every one. Your kind words mean more than you know. And thank you to Hooper, the Greyhound therapy dog, for sharing time with the second class.

We truly cherished the opportunity to visit your school and share Chaser’s story with such bright, curious students, as well as your incredible teachers and staff. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do—building connections, inspiring learning, and celebrating the special bond between people and dogs.

Thank you for welcoming us so warmly. We’re already looking forward to the next visit!

Stay curious. Be kind. Play more. 💫
𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘳 𝘞𝘢𝘺—𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘨, 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.