Almost 30 years ago, I met a Police Officer who was training to become a K9 Handler. During our conversation, he told me he had not received any medical or first-aid training for his partner. Given the extreme value of these animals and the tremendous jobs they do to protect our society, I found this shocking and unacceptable. That one conversation led me on a 30-year mission to support police canine units in any way I can, and it has become integral to my personal and professional life.
ODIN’S FUND FOUNDER
Soon after that fateful day, I started the process to create the Organization for Dogs in Need (Odin’s Fund) in honor of my friend’s new K9. This non-profit organization now allows me to travel literally around the world to teach K9 Handlers in basic and tactical first aid for their canine partners. Given the dangers that these teams face on a daily basis, such as terrorist threats, exposure to fentanyl while combating the opiate crisis, and the daily risks inherent in being a very active dog, giving these handlers tools to protect these amazing animals makes our communities safer and provides me with a great sense of pride.
BOARD-CERTIFIED SURGEON AND VETERINARIAN
My passion for the canine community also involves my professional work as a Board-Certified Surgeon/Veterinarian at our busy veterinary practice. We provide assessments for many of the canines being considered by local and regional Police agencies before they start the police K9 academy to ensure they are physically fit and orthopedically sound. Starting with the best prospective candidate allows these teams to perform the highly athletic functions needed to do their job.
My practice also provides direct veterinary care to many of the canines in our area, where we focus on developing relationships with each handler and their partner to provide the highest level of care possible. We prioritize their care and recognize the need to keep these teams on the street to keep us safe. Our “Open Door Policy” with K9 Units assures them that if they need our help at almost any time, we will be there for them.
LOCAL TACTICAL VET AND VETERINARIAN SURGEON
I also provide indirect care for K9 Units locally and throughout the country and world. I am the Tactical Veterinarian or Veterinary Surgeon for many local agencies. This allows me to provide on-site care for large canine events such as training seminars, large public events, and even large-scale police activities such as search warrants. From providing on-site care to the teams working “On the Pile” in NYC after 9/11 to being in Times Square on New Year’s Eve to help the dozens of dogs working that night, my team and I love the close working relationship that has developed over the decades.
NATIONAL MEDICAL DIRECTOR, US POLICE CANINE ASSOCIATION
I also serve as the National Medical Director for the United States Police Canine Association and am a consulting veterinarian for many other local, regional, and federal agencies. This allows me to help communities outside East Fishkill in a somewhat unique way.
Police Canine Units provide an important layer of protection to our communities, and Police Canines face unique medical issues beyond those of pet dogs. My goal is to support these invaluable animals in every way possible, and it is the privilege of my lifetime to say that I get the honor of working with so many of these amazing Canine Handlers and their even more amazing canine partners!
