142. Veterans Day Special: Heroic Working Dogs, Service Animals & Honoring Their Legacy

In this special Veterans Day episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine honor the extraordinary animals who serve alongside military personnel, first responders and people with disabilities. From the remarkable abilities of detection dogs to a national monument celebrating the sacrifices of service animals, this episode explores the courage, intelligence and powerful bonds that make these animals true heroes. Plus, discover new research on the long-term health of 9/11 search-and-rescue dogs, practical lessons from working-dog training and two products for traveling with pets.

Story Time features:

Chris revisits the remarkable legacy of the search-and-rescue dogs who responded to the September 11 attacks. Research led by Dr. Cynthia Otto at the University of Pennsylvania followed 95 deployed dogs and 55 nondeployed dogs, finding no significant difference in lifespan or causes of death between the groups. The findings offer a reassuring perspective on the long-term health of these canine heroes.

Kristen highlights the proposed K-9 Hero Act of 2026, introduced by Representative Derrick Van Orden. The legislation aims to establish a federal grant program to help nonprofit organizations cover veterinary expenses for retired federal working dogs, recognizing that these animals can face substantial medical costs after their years of service.

Special Guests:

Dr. Lucia Lazarowski, Chief Behavioral Scientist, Canine Performance Sciences, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Lucia Lazarowski takes listeners inside the fascinating world of working and detection dogs. As a researcher specializing in canine cognition, behavior and olfaction, she explains what makes certain dogs especially suited for demanding jobs, from detecting explosives to working in busy airports and other challenging environments.

She discusses how researchers identify promising traits in puppies, why confidence and enthusiasm are essential qualities in working dogs, and how training helps dogs identify specific scents amid countless competing odors.

Lucia also explores the relationship between working dogs and their handlers, the importance of rest and enrichment, and how everyday pet parents can apply lessons from working-dog science to help their own dogs become more confident, adaptable and mentally stimulated.

Susan Bahary, Sculptor, Founder & Chair of the National Service Animals Monument and Creator of the Purple Poppy Awards

Internationally recognized sculptor Susan Bahary joins the show to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of service animals throughout American history.

Susan shares how creating Always Faithful, a memorial honoring Marine Corps war dogs who served during World War II, inspired a decades-long mission to recognize animals who serve alongside humans. She reflects on the stories behind her sculptures honoring celebrated service animals, including Sully, President George H. W. Bush’s service dog, and Sergeant Stubby, the legendary World War I dog.

She also discusses the Purple Poppy Awards, recognizing outstanding service animals, handlers and organizations, and her ambitious effort to create a permanent National Service Animals Monument in Washington, D.C.

Susan explains how the proposed monument could educate future generations about the contributions of military working dogs, search-and-rescue animals, guide dogs, therapy animals and many other remarkable partners in service.

Pet Product Recommendations:

Sleepypod Go Bag – Pet Travel & Emergency Organizer – https://sleepypod.com/products/go-bag

RUFF Liners Hard Bottom Backseat Extender for Dogs with Door Protection – https://ruffliners.com/products/ruff-liners-medium-dog-back-seat-extender-for-dogs-and-door-protection-for-cars-mid-size-suv-and-mid-size-trucks-waterproof-hard-bottom-dog-car-seat-cover-for-back-seat

Q&A Topics:

My dog spends forever sniffing everything when we go for walks, and sometimes I get impatient and try to keep him moving. Is all that sniffing actually important for dogs? Should I be giving him more opportunities to use his nose at home, and what are some simple scent games I can try? (Submitted by Rachel from Denver, CO; answered by Dr. Lucia Lazarowski)

We adopted a rescue dog who loves women but seems really nervous around men, especially men wearing hats or speaking with deeper voices. We don’t know much about his past. Does that necessarily mean something bad happened to him, and what’s the best way to help him become more comfortable? (Submitted by Jessica from Raleigh, NC)

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