Advertise on podcast: Working Like Dogs - Service Dogs and Working Dogs - Pet Life Radio Original

He was a scruffy stray with bad skin allergies, wandering a Florida beach with nobody coming for him — and three years later he was standing on a national stage as America’s 2025 Hero Dog. This week, retired Metro Nashville police officer Faye Okert returns to Working Like Dogs to talk with Marcie and Fenway about Sgt. Bo: From Homeless to Hero, the new children’s book that puts her partner’s extraordinary journey right into the hands of young readers. Faye tells us why she wants every child to close that last page believing they can do absolutely anything, and how one rescued mutt manages to teach the very lessons she spent seventeen years as a school resource officer trying to get across: everybody deserves a second chance, you can never judge anyone by how they look, and kindness is always a choice you get to make. She also shares the story behind the companion coloring book — because some kids do their best thinking with a crayon in hand. Grab the little ones for this one. Sgt. Bo has something to tell them! EPISODE NOTES: From Homeless to Hero: Sgt. Bo’s Story Comes to the Page 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.

Hold onto your harnesses, because today on Working Like Dogs, Fenway and I traveled (by microphone!) all the way to Denali National Park and Preserve to visit the only sled dog kennel in the entire National Park Service — a program that's been running strong since 1922. Our delightful guest, Kennels Manager David Tomeo, took us deep into the sub-arctic wilderness where his phenomenal Alaskan huskies patrol over five millions acres that no snowmobile is allowed to touch, haul scientists and gear into some of the most remote terrain on Earth, and carry forward a mushing tradition rooted in thousands of years of Alaska's indigenous culture. These dogs aren't just working — they're protecting wild places, powering real science, and honoring a legacy far older than the park itself. And if all that doesn't melt your heart, this will: Denali has a brand-new litter of future patrol pups, and you can watch them grow up live on the park's puppy cam.Trust me, your productivity may never recover — but your heart will thank you! EPISODE NOTES: A Century on the Trail: Denali's Sled Dog Kennels with David Tomeo 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.

What happens inside the mind of a horse? In this fascinating episode, Marcie and Fenway sit down with neuroscientist, equine researcher, and author Dr. Janet Jones to explore the remarkable world of horse cognition, emotion, and communication through her groundbreaking new book, A Horse's World: A Neuroscientist's Journey into the Equine Mind. Dr. Jones takes us beyond myths and assumptions to reveal how horses perceive, learn, remember, and connect with humans—sharing insights from decades of research that will transform the way you understand these incredible animals. Whether you are a lifelong horse lover, a curious science enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the minds of other species, this conversation offers a captivating journey into the intelligence, sensitivity, and extraordinary inner lives of horses and how they can connect with us. EPISODE NOTES: A Horse's World 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.

In this episode of Working Like Dogs, host Marcie Davis sits down with Brooke Corson, an activated reservist turned dog trainer and the visionary founder of Mutts with a Mission. Discover the inspiring journey behind this unique Virginia non-profit, which started with a single Cairn Terrier named Angus and grew into a groundbreaking force providing service dogs at zero cost to wounded warriors, veterans, and first responders. Brooke shares the fascinating backstory of how she helped author official U.S. Navy policy to deploy "Expeditionary Facility Dogs" (EFDs) directly onto active warships. Tune in to hear incredible, life-saving stories of these canine heroes—like Sage and Ike—who are providing critical mental health support, lowering stress, and building resilience for thousands of sailors deployed far from home. EPISODE NOTES: Canine Carriers: How Mutts with a Mission Deploys Dogs at Sea 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.

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 Duty 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.

On this episode of Working Like Dogs, Marcie Davis sits down with author Janet Bell to talk about her delightful new children’s book, Sunny the Coast Guard Dog’s Dynamite Adventure. Janet shares the story behind Sunny’s courageous mission, the real-life dedication of Coast Guard K9 teams, and the powerful bond between working dogs and their handlers. Filled with heart, bravery, and adventure, this conversation explores why stories about service dogs matter — especially for young readers. Tune in to discover how one brave Coast Guard dog is capturing young hearts and reminding us all what it truly means to serve. EPISODE NOTES: Sunny’s Dynamite Adventure: A Coast Guard Dog on a Mission 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.

I'm thrilled to share a truly special conversation with Christina Fleming, our beloved horse trainer and the heart behind the work with my future miniature therapy horses, Romeo and Beignet. Christina brings decades of experience training horses and working with therapy animals, and her wisdom shines through as we talk about trust, regulation, and the deep, quiet communication between humans and horses. This episode is a gentle, grounding reminder that healing doesn't come from control — it comes from relationship. If you love animals, believe in their power to heal, or simply need a calming, meaningful listen, this episode is for you. EPISODE NOTES: Where Vulnerability Meets Trust: Working with Horses 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.

In this special episode of Working Like Dogs, host Marcie Davis introduces listeners to Humphrey the Hopeful Helper—the joyful yellow Lab who inspired her beloved new children’s book series. Through personal stories, heartfelt readings, and an intimate look at life with service dogs, Marcie explores disability representation, mutual caregiving, and the powerful human–animal bond. The episode also offers a preview of Humphrey the Hopeful Helper Has a Health Crisis, coming in 2026. Humphrey the Hopeful Helper is now available for you to bring home! EPISODE NOTES: Humphrey the Hopeful Helper 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.

Actor, writer, and advocate Aria Mia Loberti joins Marcie and Fenway to share the magic behind her new children's book, I Am Ingrid—a heartfelt story that speaks to both kids and adults about the meaningful path to becoming a guide dog. Aria invites us into "Ingrid's world," where courage, identity, and a pair of beloved plastic pearls shine at the center of the tale. In this uplifting and insightful conversation, she explores disability representation, the heart of guide-dog work, and the universal longing to follow our dreams. It's charming, wise, and full of joy—an episode you won't want to miss. EPISODE NOTES: I Am Ingrid 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.

Kyle Kittleson brings the wow! In this fantastic, fun interview, Kyle shares wild and wonderful animal-training stories (yes, dolphins!) and how those lessons power his work as host of MedCircle—where he translates expert mental-health insights for everyday life—and creator of Baba Blast, a kids’ series that builds empathy and resilience. We dive into grief, practical tools for mental health, and the magic of human–animal connection that Working Like Dogs listeners love. EPISODE NOTES: Feathers, Fins, and Four Paws: Empathy in Motion with Kyle Kittleson 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.

Get ready for an incredible episode of Working Like Dogs! I’m joined by Sharon Gattas and Peter Sellas, two extraordinary handlers who know firsthand the life-saving power of canines in times of crisis. Fresh from their recent deployment to the Texas flood recovery, they’ll be sharing what it’s really like to work side by side with their remarkable Belgian Malinois partners, Riley and Harley. These highly trained dogs aren’t just companions —they’re dedicated rescuers, using their skills to bring hope and relief when disaster strikes. From the bond that fuels their teamwork to the grit it takes to face floodwaters together; Sharon and Peter’s stories will give you a front-row seat to the heart and heroism of canine recovery work. EPISODE NOTES: Canine Heroes in Action: Riley and Harley on the Frontlines of Disaster 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.

If you work with (or just adore) canine partners, don’t miss this conversation with veterinary behaviorist Dr. Simone Sidel and researcher Jaci Gandenberger from the University of Denver’s Institute for Human–Animal Connection (IHAC). We dig into their new open-access paper, “Recognizing and Mitigating Canine Stress in Human–Canine Interaction Research,” and the big idea behind it: centering dog welfare so studies treat dogs as true participants—with consent cues, low-stress handling, and ethical protocols—rather than research tools. You’ll come away with practical ways to spot and reduce stress, design kinder sessions, and still produce rigorous science that benefits both species. EPISODE NOTES: Listening to Dogs: Stress, Signals, and Welfare-Centered 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.

In this powerful and heartwarming episode of Working Like Dogs, hosts Marcie Davis and Fenway welcome Paige Mazzoni, CEO of Canine Companions - the groundbreaking nonprofit that founded the service dog movement in the United States. As the organization celebrates 50 years of transforming lives through expertly trained service dogs, Paige reflects on the legacy, growth, and deep human-canine connections at the heart of their mission. From powerful graduate stories to behind-the-scenes insights on innovation, accessibility, and volunteerism, this conversation offers a meaningful look into how service dogs are changing the world—one life at a time. EPISODE NOTES: Canine Companions 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.

In this thought-provoking episode of Working Like Dogs, we’re joined by Kara Milotte, Manager of Client Services at the nationally recognized nonprofit NEADS and James “Chip” Harrington from the Massachusetts Department of Correction. Together, they offer a powerful look into the transformative partnership between NEADS and correctional facilities—and how this unique collaboration is changing lives through the training and placement of world-class service dogs. From fostering rehabilitation and purpose within prisons to creating life-changing bonds between dogs and their future handlers, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. EPISODE NOTES: Behind the Leash: How Service Dogs Transform Lives—Inside and Outside Prison Walls 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.

In this inspiring episode of Working Like Dogs, I sit down with two extraordinary women—Jeni Exley and Dr. Margaret Jones—who not only work at Craig Hospital, but also serve as passionate, dedicated puppy raisers for Canine Companions. Jeni has raised an incredible 19 puppies, and together, she and Dr. Jones co-raise future service dogs, creating a powerful team fueled by love, discipline, and purpose. They share what it’s really like to be part of the life-changing journey from puppy to service partner—and the incredible support system that surrounds them, including the expert trainers at Canine Companions. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into raising a service dog—or felt a tug at your heart to get involved—this episode is for you. EPISODE NOTES: Raising Heroes: Inside the Life of a Puppy Raiser 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.