From Shelter Dog to Therapy Dog, From Cop to Counselor

A Childhood Dream of Becoming a K9 Handler

Ever since I was 16, I dreamed of becoming a police officer—and not just any officer. I wanted to be a K9 officer. That goal became more tangible when my first field training officer (FTO) was assigned to a K9 unit. Watching him work with his dog—practicing explosive detection exercises and using the bite suit—gave me a firsthand look at the role entailed. Not to mention, it was pretty cool to hang out with Spike all day.

My department only had patrol and bomb-detection/patrol dogs. That wasn’t exactly my dream job, but I was still determined to pursue the K9 path.

A Dog Attack Changed Everything

In 2016, everything changed. I was off duty when a dog attacked me, causing serious injuries to my hand. I endured multiple procedures, hand therapy, and surgery. But the wounds weren’t just physical, the emotional scars ran even deeper.

The idea of donning a bite suit or working closely with patrol dogs no longer felt like a calling. During this time, I was exposed to my department’s darker, more toxic side. The initial response from my supervisor was, “It’s not your gun hand, is it?” I was a number to them. They didn’t care if I was okay. I delayed the surgery as long as I could, trying every possible treatment first. I knew the department would punish me if I needed to be on light duty. Unfortunately, I was right. I was demoted while on FMLA recovering from surgery, and that was just one part of a bigger issue.

It was time for a change.

From Law Enforcement to New Beginnings

In 2019, I transferred to a smaller agency—one without a K9 unit. While working patrol, I often stopped by our local PetSmart to keep an eye out for shoplifters (and, admittedly, to pet a few dogs). One day, they hosted an adoption event for shelter dogs. I loved the community policing aspect of the job, and of course, I loved dogs.

That’s when I met her.

Meeting Blanca: The Shelter Dog Who Stole My Heart

Among several adoptable dogs, one timid white pup stood out. She was shy but sweet, and I made it my mission to help her get adopted. I walked her around the parking lot, introduced her to families, and even shared a photo of us on social media to boost her chances.

Before I left, I gave the shelter staff my card and said, “If she’s still here at the end of the day, call me.” I was sure she was going to be adopted during the event. Hours later, I got a text—they were sending me adorable videos of her. She was still there. Staff said, “She’s here waiting for you.”

I couldn’t say no and send her back to a kill shelter. So, Blanca came home with me.

A New Partner in Healing: Life with Blanca

At home, I already had a 10-year-old dog named Trace who had always been an only child. I was so nervous about the introduction. Those emotional scars I mentioned earlier come into play here, but thankfully, they got along. Blanca was supposed to be a 1.5-year-old terrier mix, but she turned out to be a 6-month-old German Shepherd mix.

Then the pandemic hit. I was still working 40–70 hours a week as an essential worker, which left little time to train or socialize Blanca. At the same time, I began graduate school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling—my plan for retirement after a career in law enforcement.

But life had other ideas.

Toxic leadership reared its head again, this time in my new agency.

I was preparing for a new chapter—and Blanca, unknowingly, was preparing for one too.

A New Path: From Officer to Therapist

I left law enforcement and chose to pursue therapy full-time, earlier than expected. I had endured a lot of trauma on the job, from critical incidents to toxic leadership and hostile work environments.

I’d seen firsthand how hard it is for first responders to find culturally competent therapists. I wanted to become the therapist I wish I’d had—and Blanca was right beside me.

Everywhere we went, Blanca drew people in. She radiated comfort and warmth. I often joke that she is the mayor of my subdivision, shaking paws with everyone she meets. She is the friendliest dog I’ve ever known. It hit me: I could still be a K9 handler—just in a different way. Instead of tracking bombs, my canine partner could offer healing.

Blanca Becomes a Therapy Dog

It is now 2025, and I am a licensed professional counselor associate. I decided to enroll Blanca in formal therapy dog training. At 5 years old, Blanca was the senior member of her training class. We had a lot to unlearn—but she was smart, eager, and determined. We trained for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, and after months of work, she passed.

In May, Blanca had her first official day as a therapy dog.

During client sessions, she was calm, loving, and attentive. She let people pet her, rested her head on their laps, and brought an incredible sense of peace into the room.

Full Circle: The K9 Handler I Was Meant to Be

Looking back, I’m grateful for every painful twist in my journey. The attack, the PTSD, the toxic work environments, the career change—all of it led me to this moment.

I may not be the K9 handler I once dreamed of being, but I still get to bring a dog to work. And instead of chasing suspects or sniffing out explosives, Blanca brings hugs, comfort, and healing to people who need it most.