Tracy Ryan with First Responder Therapy Dogs

Ellen Feld is a renowned author most notably of children's books. This episode of Paws To Reflect, I speak with Ellen about her new book What Does A Police Dog Do? She describes her passion for police and what things she has learned about the world of police dogs. This includes arson investigations, bomb detection, tracking, and comfort. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two children (Nick and Holly), twelve horses, and assorted pets. Visit her website Willowbend Publishing and you will receive a special discount access coupon code for 20% off!! This includes her new book "What Does A Police Dog Do?" as well as any other book she has written!

Our guest Tracy Ryan speaks with us about First Responder Therapy Dogs. From their website: "A wide-range of first responders including firefighters/ paramedics, dispatchers, search and rescue and law enforcement  answer the call to help and protect.  Being on the frontlines can be physically and mentally challenging, and these everyday heroes often feel under-supported, overwhelmed, and under-appreciated. First Responder Therapy Dogs leads the way in addressing behavioral health needs by providing emotional support to first responders. Research shows that therapy dog services positively impact this population's behavioral health issues." You can follow Tracy and the teams @firstrespondertherapydogs Tracy's dog Sparkie @barkiesparkie and their Facebook page @firstrespondertherapydogs

A Belgian Malinois Army dog who served in Afghanistan alongside US Army Staff Sgt. Julian McDonald in 2012. MPC Layka is credited with saving not only Julian's life but also those of his teammates during a gunfight with an enemy combatant in Afghanistan. Layka was shot point-blank with an AK-47 while clearing a Taliban compound in Afghanistan. She was retired in August 2012. US Army Staff Sgt. Julian McDonald fought to adopt her and she has lived with him and his family ever since. MPC Layka was the first dog to receive a Medal of Heroism Award since WWII.  She appeared on the June 4, 2014 cover of National Geographic for their story on “Hero Dogs A Soldier’s Best Friend.” MPC Layka; National Geographic cover girl, and the AHA 2016 Hero Dog Award Winner (Military) Scott's Wish Follow MPC Layka here Follow Trent (Julian McDonald) here

In today's podcast, we have the honor of meeting AK-9 Bijou and her person, Massachusetts State Trooper Patrick Clayton. Trooper Clayton tells us how K9 Bijou was chosen and how as a team, they have worked together to assist with investigating fire scenes where there may have been foul play. Pat walks us through the fascinating process from beginning to end.  You will occasionally hear K9 Bijou in the background as she was making sure we didn't leave any important information out! Demonstration of AK-9 Bijou on scent detection.