Facility Dog Handler (Amber; ft. Canine Companions)

In collaboration with Canine Companions, the guys interview Amber Urban. Amber is a former sex crimes detective with the Arora, Colorado Police Department and currently works as Director of Victim Services and Handler of Courthouse Facility Dog for the Arapahoe District Attorney’s Office. Amber, along with one of Canine Companions’ executive directors, Natalie Nuce, helps explain the vital role of service dogs.Canine Companions is a nonprofit organization that provides highly trained service dogs free of charge. Amber explains how several of the dogs provided by Canine Companions has been instrumental in various settings, including law enforcement, trauma situations, and the legal system, particularly in cases involving child victims. Amber shares her experiences as a law enforcement officer and the significance of Pella's Law, which allows service dogs to accompany victims in court. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, legal professionals, and the medical community to support victims and improve outcomes in the justice system.To donate to Canine Companions, or to get more information about receiving a dog, please visit https://canine.org/.Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at [email protected] in this episode:The Dear Jack FoundationThe Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programs benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life from treatment to survivorship. Through programs and strategic partnerships, Dear Jack addresses the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients, survivors and their families. One-on-one patient support and wellness programs allow the Dear Jack Foundation to empower patients, survivors and their caregivers in their healing and to provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey.The Dear Jack FoundationLeleka FoundationLeleka Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization that operates with minimal overhead, maximizing the impact of every donation. By leveraging our personal resources, we ensure that 96-97% of all donations go directly to life-saving programs. Leleka was founded in December 2014 when several Ukrainians in the United States joined their efforts with several volunteer initiatives in Ukraine to procure and supply medical and first-aid supplies to paramedics, ambulances, and hospitals. Since February 2022, Leleka has focused on the urgent supply of critical medical supplies and protective gear to Ukraine’s defenders and civilians.