Working Like Dogs - Service Dogs and Working Dogs - Pet Life Radio Original

What do you get when a stray dog becomes a hero, a police department gains its most compassionate officer, and an entire nation falls in love on live television? You get Sgt. Bo and one of the most heart-warming episodes of Working Like Dogs we've ever recorded. Host Marcie Davis sat down with Faye Okert, the devoted handler behind this four-legged phenomenon, and Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society to share the breathtaking journey of a dog who went from wandering the streets of Nashville to comforting children in the aftermath of tragedy — and ultimately winning the 2025 American Humane Hero Dog Award. Robin pulls back the curtain on the Hero Dog Awards and shares the most urgent issues American Humane is fighting for right now on behalf of animals everywhere. And Sgt. Bo's story is living proof that the dogs who need saving the most are often the ones who end up saving us. Faye and Robin remind us why dogs aren't just our best friends — they're our healers, our heroes, and sometimes, our greatest teachers. This is the episode to share with every dog lover in your life!EPISODE NOTES: Sgt. Bo Reporting for DutyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-like-dogs-service-dogs-and-working-dogs-pet-life-radio-original--6668004/support.

On this heartwarming episode of Working Like Dogs on Pet Life Radio, Marcie and Fenway chat with Diane Rampelberg, founder of Dustin’s Paw a remarkable nonprofit based in Idaho. Since 2000, Diane has been pioneering canine-enhanced learning and therapy for children with disabilities. With her Canine Companions-trained facility dog, Leopold, by her side, Diane works as a Canine Modality Specialist, designing creative, interactive activities that help children achieve their therapeutic and educational goals. Diane shares how she collaborates with professional teams to unlock each child’s potential through the powerful human–canine bond. Tune in to hear how she’s transforming lives, one paw at a time.EPISODE NOTES: Paws, Play, and Possibility: Unlocking Potential with Canine-Assisted Learning Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-like-dogs-service-dogs-and-working-dogs-pet-life-radio-original--6668004/support.

Tune in to this fascinating episode of Working Like Dogs on Pet Life Radio as Dr. Cynthia Fast, Director of Training at APOPO in Tanzania, joins Marcie and Fenway to share the incredible work of their “HeroRATs” and “HeroDOGs.” In over 60 countries contaminated by hidden landmines and explosive remnants of war, APOPO’s scent detection animals are saving lives and transforming communities by safely and efficiently locating deadly threats. They’re also tackling the global tuberculosis crisis, helping identify undiagnosed cases with speed and accuracy. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about how these remarkable animals are making the world a safer, healthier place—one sniff at a time!EPISODE NOTES: Sniffing Out Danger: The Life-Saving Work of HeroRATs and HeroDOGs Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-like-dogs-service-dogs-and-working-dogs-pet-life-radio-original--6668004/support.

Tune in to Working Like Dogs on Pet Life Radio as Marcie and Fenway welcome the incredible Tamara Martin. With over 40 years in the criminal justice system, Tamara has dedicated her career to supporting both victims and offenders. She and her first facility dog, Willow, pioneered the first statewide facility dog program in the U.S., transforming how facility dogs provide comfort and support in the legal system. Now, as a Facility Dog Handler for the HERO program with the Office of Prosecution Services in Montgomery, Alabama, Tamara continues to make a profound impact with her current facility dog, Yahini. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the life-changing role of facility dogs in the justice system!EPISODE NOTES: Empower, Restore, and Overcome!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-like-dogs-service-dogs-and-working-dogs-pet-life-radio-original--6668004/support.

Listen in as Dr. Maggie O’Haire takes us on an inspiring deep dive into the transformative power of service dogs for veterans with PTSD. Dr. O’Haire’s groundbreaking Service Dog and Veteran Experiences Study (SERVES) research project at the University of Arizona is the first national, randomized clinical trial to scientifically measure the medical benefits of service dogs compared to anecdotal beliefs. Dr. O’Haire’s work is proving what many have long believed—service dogs are more than companions; they are essential partners in healing, helping veterans reclaim their independence, confidence, and peace of mind. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the extraordinary power of the human-animal bond!EPISODE NOTES: SERVES!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-like-dogs-service-dogs-and-working-dogs-pet-life-radio-original--6668004/support.

Marcie and Fenway welcome Dr. Brennen McKenzie to the show to learn about his groundbreaking research with Loyal for Dogs on medical treatments that will potentially expand the lifespan of large breed dogs. The concept of doubling dogs’ current lifespan is no longer science fiction. It is becoming a scientific fact! Dr. McKenzie talks about the hormonal changes identified in large breed dogs and how lifechanging drugs may soon be available to address the accumulation of the harmful effects of aging and substantially extend our dogs’ lives. He shares information about what you can do right now to keep your dog healthy for longer. And, Dr. McKenzie discusses the clinical trials currently underway and how you and your dog might be able to participate. EPISODE NOTES: Extending the Lifespan of Our DogsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-like-dogs-service-dogs-and-working-dogs-pet-life-radio-original--6668004/support.

Executive Producers SQuire Rushnell and Louise Duart Rushnell stopped by to talk with Marcie and Fenway about their upcoming Netflix feature movie, Rescued by Ruby which tells the remarkable TRUE STORY of a shelter dog that was saved from being put down, made history by becoming the first shelter dog to earn a spot on the Rhode Island State Police K9 unit, and then went on to make a rescue so incredible, and unlikely, that it earned Ruby the honor of being named as the nation’s “Search and Rescue Dog of the Year.” You don’t want to miss one inspirational and heartwarming moment of this conversation!EPISODE NOTES: Rescued by RubyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-like-dogs-service-dogs-and-working-dogs-pet-life-radio-original--6668004/support.

Dr. David Crenshaw, Clinical Director of the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, stops by to talk with Marcie and Lovey about the many ways highly-trained facility dogs are supporting children and youth who have experienced trauma. Dr. Crenshaw shares his experiences and how it all began with a canine named Rosey. Rosey, trained by Educated Canines Assisting Disabilities, was the first dog to comfort a witness in a criminal trial in New York State. Dr. Crenshaw discusses the myriad of ways that facility dogs are serving young people today in all types of criminal justice and therapeutic environments.EPISODE NOTES: Facility Dogs – Supporting ChildrenBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-like-dogs-service-dogs-and-working-dogs-pet-life-radio-original--6668004/support.