Don't F*ck up the crime scene

DFUTCS Podcast – Easy 8's with Melissa MillerOn this episode of the Don't F'ck Up The Crime Scene (DFUTCS) Podcast, we welcome Melissa Miller for our signature Easy 8's questions before taking a deeper dive into one of the most talked-about animal control stories of the year.Melissa discusses her career in animal welfare, leadership, and public service before addressing the events that led to her resignation as Director of St. Clair County Animal Control in Michigan.The conversation centers around the controversy surrounding St. Clair County Ordinance 26-13, an animal control ordinance that Melissa publicly opposed during weeks of discussion before the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners. Following the Board's unanimous 7-0 vote to approve the revised ordinance during the June 4 Judiciary/Public Safety Committee meeting, Melissa submitted her resignation to County Administrator/Controller Thomas Hull.Rather than focusing on headlines alone, this episode explores the realities of leading an animal control agency when professional recommendations, political decision-making, and public expectations intersect. Melissa shares her perspective on leadership, transparency, professional ethics, and the difficult decisions that public servants sometimes face.Topics include:The DFUTCS "Easy 8's"Melissa Miller's career in animal controlLeadership challenges in public serviceSt. Clair County Ordinance 26-13The role of elected officials versus agency administratorsNavigating controversial policy changesLessons learned from serving as an animal control directorAdvice for current and future animal control professionalsWhether you're an Animal Control Officer, shelter administrator, law enforcement professional, policymaker, or animal welfare advocate, this episode provides valuable insight into the challenges of balancing public policy, animal welfare, and professional integrity.Don't F'ck Up The Crime Scene (DFUTCS) brings together experienced professionals from animal control, law enforcement, veterinary medicine, prosecution, and public administration to discuss the issues shaping the future of the profession.This episode includes AI-generated content.

Retirement from animal control and animal welfare is unlike many professions because the work often becomes part of your identity. After years of responding to emergencies, investigating cruelty, protecting communities, educating the public, and advocating for animals that could not speak for themselves, retirement is not simply the end of a career—it is the culmination of a lifetime of service. A successful retirement begins with preparation in several areas: Financial ReadinessMaximize pension and retirement benefits.Delay Social Security if financially beneficial to increase monthly payments.Maintain an emergency fund covering 6–12 months of expenses.Evaluate health insurance options before Medicare eligibility if needed.Eliminate or reduce debt before retiring.Physical and Mental Health Animal control professionals experience higher-than-average exposure to trauma, compassion fatigue, and stress. Retirement should include:Regular exercise and preventive healthcare.Hobbies that replace the adrenaline of emergency response.Maintaining social connections with former colleagues.Seeking counseling if unresolved traumatic experiences affect daily life.Finding Purpose After Retirement Many retired animal welfare professionals continue contributing through:Teaching animal control academies.Expert witness testimony.Consulting for municipalities and shelters.Writing books, articles, or training manuals.Speaking at conferences.Volunteering with rescues or humane organizations.Mentoring new officers.Leaving a Legacy Retirement is an opportunity to preserve institutional knowledge by:Documenting successful investigations and case studies.Creating standard operating procedures.Recording lessons learned.Mentoring the next generation of officers.Building training programs that improve the profession.Personal Goals Many retirees use the freedom to:Travel.Spend more time with family.Relocate to a lower-cost area.Learn a new language.Pursue photography, fishing, woodworking, or other interests.Enjoy pets without the demands of shift work and on-call responsibilities.A Reflection Animal control is more than catching dogs or enforcing ordinances. It is standing between cruelty and compassion, between danger and safety, between neglect and hope. Retirement does not erase that service—it honors it. The badge may come off, but the commitment to protecting animals and serving communities remains a part of who you are forever. Retirement ChecklistReview pension and Social Security strategy.Confirm healthcare coverage.Create a retirement income budget.Pay down outstanding debt.Organize important legal documents (will, power of attorney, healthcare directive).Develop a weekly routine to stay active and engaged.Stay connected to the profession through mentoring or teaching if desired.Celebrate your career and the lives—both human and animal—you helped.This episode includes AI-generated content.

AKRON, Ohio — A 14-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Josiah Harris last month in Akron, according to the Akron Police Department.Police announced Thursday that, following their continued investigation into the shooting that happened on June 30, detectives signed charges against the juvenile.According to Akron police, the 14-year-old has been charged with the following:Negligent homicideCarrying concealed weaponsImproperly discharging a firearmTampering with evidencePolice said the juvenile has been taken into custody and is being held at the Summit County Juvenile Detention Center.CASE DETAILSAccording to previous information released by the Akron Police Department, officers responded around 7:20 p.m. on June 30 to the 1200 block of Packard Drive for a reported shooting."During the investigation, detectives discovered that a 14-year-old male went to the residence to visit," according to a previous press release from Akron police. "As he approached the home, the victim’s dog ran towards him and started to attack, latching onto his left arm. During the encounter, the 14-year-old pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots, striking the dog and the 15-year-old male who was attempting to pull the dog away. The 14-year-old ran to a nearby residence, where family members called 911."When Akron police arrived at the scene, they found the victim with a gunshot wound to the torso. He was taken to Akron Children’s Hospital, where the medical examiner's office says he was later pronounced dead shortly after 8 p.m.The 14-year-old boy was also taken to Akron Children's Hospital for treatment on injuries he sustained during the dog attack.This episode includes AI-generated content.

86-year-old woman killed while watching dog at Moore home, family says it had attacked beforeAn 86-year-old woman died after a dog she was watching attacked her at a Moore home, but a family member said this wasn't the animal's first violent incident.This episode includes AI-generated content.

Here are quite a few downsides to allowing pets to sleep in bed with you. While many people enjoy the comfort and companionship, here are the main concerns: 1. Sleep Disruption Pets often move around, change positions, snore, scratch, lick themselves, or wake up during the night. This can reduce sleep quality even if you don’t fully wake up.Dogs may stretch out and take up space.Cats are often more active during early morning hours.2. Hygiene Issues Even well-cared-for pets bring things into the bed.Dirt, pollen, grass, and outdoor bacteria from paws/furShedding hair and dander in sheets and pillowsPossible fecal contamination from fur around the rear area3. Allergies Can Get Worse Pet dander is a major trigger for allergies and asthma.Sleeping in close contact increases exposure for hours at a time.Bedding can trap allergens and make symptoms worse over time.Related: Asthma 4. Parasites and Disease Transmission Even indoor pets can carry organisms that spread to humans.FleasTicksRingworm (fungal infection)Intestinal parasites in some casesExamples: Ringworm 5. Behavioral Problems Some pets become overly possessive of the bed.Guarding behavior toward a partner or childrenIncreased dominance/resource guarding in some dogsDifficulty training independence6. Relationship Issues If you share a bed with a partner, pets can interfere.Less physical spaceInterrupted intimacyDisagreements about boundaries or cleanliness7. Reinforces Separation Anxiety Some animals become dependent on constant contact.Dogs may struggle when left alone during the dayCan increase anxious attachment behaviorsRelated concept: Separation Anxiety 8. Increased Wear on Bedding and Furniture Pets can shorten the life of sleep surfaces.Scratching mattresses or sheetsOdors trapped in fabricsFrequent washing needed9. Higher Risk for Immunocompromised Individuals People with weakened immune systems should be more cautious. This can matter for people undergoing cancer treatment or with conditions affecting immunity. Example: Leukemia When It May Be Less Risky Sleeping with pets is generally lower risk when:The pet gets regular veterinary careFlea/tick prevention is currentThe pet is groomed regularlyThe owner has no allergy or immune concernsThis episode includes AI-generated content.

Zoonotic Diseases & Animal Control Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. For professionals in animal control, sheltering, humane investigations, and field enforcement, understanding zoonotic risk is a core part of officer safety, public health protection, and effective case management.This episode includes AI-generated content.

In May 2026, 50-year-old Jodi Cowan was fatally mauled outside her Cocoa, Florida, neighborhood. Her neighbor, 29-year-old Linda Cutler, was arrested and charged with felony manslaughter after investigations revealed she knew her dogs were dangerous and repeatedly failed to contain them.This episode includes AI-generated content.

We had Kim Schwartz on the DFUTCS Podcast to discuss court procedures, courtroom language, and the “Easy Eight’s.” It was an informative conversation covering how the judicial process works, the importance of understanding legal terminology, and practical insight from her experience serving in the Muscogee County Judicial Circuit in Columbus.This episode includes AI-generated content.

We had Dee Barns on the podcast DFUTCS for our “Easy Eight’s” segment, where we discussed his longevity in the animal control profession throughout Texas — from the days of little to no training and limited resources, to now having strong support from command staff and improved professional standards across the field. It was an awesome time catching up, sharing experiences, and hearing his perspective on how the profession has evolved over the years. Always great spending time with my brother.This episode includes AI-generated content.

The return of Aldwin Roman from SC Humane Society (S3EP 52#) to talk about his CAWA Certification, and how it help help ever part of job duties.This episode includes AI-generated content.

I had an awesome conversation with former Animal Services shelter director Gracie Lankford Griggs regarding her struggles with the lack of support from her city commission and the failure to properly train and equip her to successfully complete the department’s mission.This episode includes AI-generated content.

On February 25, 2026, 74-year-old Diane Emily Pellington was mauled to death by three neighborhood dogs in the Hiwassee Dam community near Murphy in Cherokee County, North Carolina. The dogs were on their owner’s property at the time of the attack, which occurred on Cross Creek Lane.This episode includes AI-generated content.

Hey everyone — quick update on the case verdict. Please tune in and share your comments in the chat.This episode includes AI-generated content.

he bench trial for a father charged in the death of his 3-year-old daughter after a dog attack continued Thursday.It comes after the young girl was mauled by dogs during the week of Christmas in 2024.AdvertisementIt will be up to a panel of judges to decide whether Warren Houston is innocent or guilty. Houston pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and child endangerment.WARNING: The details of the story are graphic in natureIn December 2024, Kingsley Wright was spending time with her dad for the holidays. In court, prosecutors claimed Houston put the child to sleep on the couch, with the dogs in the same room, locked inside a broken cage.On Thursday, video from that night showed Kingsley was attacked for more than 30 minutes, but nobody came to help her. Houston was sleeping in a separate room, with the door closed, according to investigators.Houston was so emotional and distraught in the court room that he had to briefly step away.During the police interrogation of Houston, he admitted he knew at least one dog had aggressive tendencies and that the cage was faulty, saying he had to use zip ties in the past to secure it.We talk about.....This episode includes AI-generated content.

200 episodes strong! 🎙️For this milestone episode, I had the honor of sitting down with IAABC & CDBC certified behaviorist Jennifer Shryock. Her insight, experience, and practical guidance were next-level.We ran through our “Easy 8’s” and dove deep into one of the most important topics out there—preventing fatal incidents between children and dogs.This wasn’t just a conversation… it was life-saving information every family needs to hear.I’m truly grateful for her time, her knowledge, and the work she continues to do to keep kids and dogsThis episode includes AI-generated content.

The return of Karen K. Sparapani (also check her out on S2EP 41# Invest in your prople), Karen and I discussed the unnecessary fatal dog mauling of a 7 year old; by canine had documented aggression propblem. This episode includes AI-generated content.

Well needed talk about holding self and co-workers accountable at work, we get honest on this episodeThis episode includes AI-generated content.

A brief discussion about the complainant or owner kicking you off their property when you're attempting to just do your job! Sexy!This episode includes AI-generated content.

Live DFUTCS podcast, S6EP 196# Exotice in Da house!  With special guest Kati Kourse as my expert explaining Exotics A-Z, behavior, speices and handling.This episode includes AI-generated content.

Here's a quick check list for upcoming ice storms, stay safe Dudes & DudettesThis episode includes AI-generated content.

With Jenne Rosegay and Fernando Casadevall call in on the hotline as my special guest and host. We talked about my 3 Livestock cases LIVE!!!! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Instructor JT Taylor came back on the show to talk about (Quailty Training) in animal control and animal welfare. Great talk while JT was driving on the road, awesomeness!This episode includes AI-generated content.

Live DFUTCS podcast about the cruety case involving a embedded harness caseThis episode includes AI-generated content.

Live Talk Recap: “What Is the Job of an Animal Control Officer (ACO)?”Had a great live discussion breaking down the real role of an Animal Control Officer—far beyond just picking up animals. We covered public safety, animal welfare, community education, bite prevention, enforcement of local ordinances, and the emotional realities of the job. The online participation was fantastic, with thoughtful questions and real-world scenarios shared in the chat. Thanks to everyone who joined, engaged, and helped highlight the importance of ACOs in protecting both people and animals.This episode includes AI-generated content.

Great conversation today with my live audience on “Holiday Bite Case Season.”We focused on how increased visitors, overstimulation, unfamiliar children, and disrupted routines during holiday get-togethers can raise the risk of dog bites—and, more importantly, what families can do to prevent them.This episode includes AI-generated content.

Great conversation with the "Dog Guy" Dr. Jim Crosby about our topic (Does altering your dog change it's behavior?) Live podcast This episode includes AI-generated content.

DFUTCS Morning show episode about (Special requirements for new dog owners), 52 minutes talk about becoming a responsible dog owner classes before obtaining their new canine!This episode includes AI-generated content.

So we discussed a friendly conversation which dog was better....

Live broadcast concerning if the recent deportation in several USA city have played a role on out local animal shelters....

So sorry, not sorry about my LIVE podcast. What do you do when the system fails with your animal control/ cruelty case! I spoke about a previous case involving a the same only who was taken to court for 4 separate court case violations and given his cainne back! YYUUUPPP! I lost it, and that's wear we pickup the live podcast.

Deirdre Hodgkins came to the podcast and played the easy 8's, awesome talk about her journey as a Texas ACO...This episode includes AI-generated content.

DFUTCS morning show (Mid day episode) Live with guest co-host (Thomas Scarborough) as we talked about the repealing of the (PGC) Prince George's County Pit Bull breed Ban.

DFUTCS Morning show (Mid day episode) Lowndes County death by dog incident. I recap of the untimely death of a child not being watch at unlicenced daycare. 

Long time to hear from my Wisconsin Dudette (Amber Lynn Dvorak) Ms. Shelter Director at Monroe County animal control & animal welfare. We caught up and talked the easey 8's questions, please toon in and share her amazing story aboit (Angel)

I had my brother Rick Hunyadi back on the show to talk about (The Hiring process), interview, 1st day, training schedule, probation period, promotion....

Live broadcast concerning (Tyrese Gibson) incident involving his 4 Cane corso attacked and killed a neighbor's small canine. I argued the charges of 16-12-4 animal cruelty vs Dangerous animal statues. Great conversation had!

Awesome time brining Kourtney Brodosi back on the Podcast to talk about Officer safety (bulletproof vest, firearms, Police backup and more) Dude approve

We received a topic from TACA facebook group (Working on-call duty during the Holidays! I had ACO Valerie Ulmer on the podcast to discuss our topic.... Thanx Val

Biggest shoutout my superstar cousin who made to come my humble podcast: Robyn Watson is a dynamic force in the entertainment industry, serving as the principal owner and CEO of Watson Media Ventures (WMV), an innovative consulting firm specializing in film, television, digital media productions, and high-profile entertainment events. With over 25 years of experience as an entertainment strategist and corporate communications executive, Robyn has honed her expertise at industry giants like Gannett/USA Today, WarnerMedia, Time Warner, and Verizon. Her strategic acumen has played a pivotal role in the successful launches and distribution of major cable and entertainment services, including FiOS, the WarnerMedia Podcast Network, and HBO Max. Beyond her impressive corporate credentials, Robyn is a passionate advocate for women in the industry, currently serving as the President of Women In Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA). This organization is part of a global network of over 45 Women In Film chapters, dedicated to elevating the representation and portrayal of women in film, television, and other screen-based media. For more than 14 years, Robyn has been a driving force within the Women In Film community, also lending her talents to boards like New York Women In Film & Television (NYWIFT) and Women In Film & Television International (WIFTI). Robyn was named to Georgia Entertainment's 200 Most Influential list in 2024, which recognizes the most influential leaders in Georgia’s growing Creative Economy. With her unique blend of strategic insight and commitment to fostering diversity, Robyn continues to shape the future of entertainment and empower the next generation of female leaders in the industry. 

Dude Approved, so I went live a few days ago and spoke on the topic of (why are we still creating new breeds). Real talk about real shit, it make no sense! 

My Homegirl Poppy Masterson came on the show from my Dojo Studio in-person!!!! We talked about the Veterinary differences between USA & UK/ Ireland schooling/ Training. She was one of my emergency Vet’s on duty for DeKalb/ Gwinnett Animal Hospital. Man, many story to be told lmao!  #Headed to Ireland to visit and teach early 2026….

Special thanks to Kourtney for sharing her story of being attacked by a friends canine while off duty. She handled her the situation accordingly as a ACO should....

Friend of the show Mr. Adam Ricci back on the show to discuss work related Stress & Health, brief update on career changes and great coversation..... Dude approve

We had on Keegan Spera on who was wonderful at explaining FEMA and other disaster support systems, and participated in the Easy 8's 

Facebook Live (Why can't we hire ACO's) was the question presented, great response, great feedback, great conversation....

Well Ms. Volunteer herself came on the show to explain pervious complaints at her former volunteer job in Jacksonville Florida

My Michigan homie came through and talked about his magical Law Enforcement career, A cut above the rest.

Dude approve episode of Texan Career ACO Edward Cruz, dope convasation about his years coming up throughout several Texas Cities in the cut, learning best practices! Great talk..... Holla back

Just had his boss on earlier and then Kyle Heck enters the building lol, greatly appreciate him sharing his days as a Detroit ACO and now Humane cruelty investigator.

Big ups to my Dude (Matt Pepper) Director and CEO of Michigan Humane gave a dope interview while driving on the road. Matt discuss his rise from ACO to Director/ CEO. Great job sir!