Turns Out Bowie Is Really Good At Traveling The World

BOWIE on a flight to his destination

Bowie the traveling dog is busy getting his passport stamps. He has traveled the world with his mum and helping us all understand and give us some traveling tips. I sat with Bowie early this summer for a deep dive into his travels in the US, Italy , Scotland and more. Here is what he told me.

SIR VALENTINO:  Bowie can you tell us about your family and where you are from?  

BOWIE: I’m originally from Vancouver, Canada, my mum is English but moved there 6 years ago & she got me as a puppy. Vancouver was the best place grow up as a pup, my first experiences were playing on the beautiful beaches & hiking in the local mountains, it doesn’t get much better for us dogs!

SIR VALENTINO: How did you begin your career in travel?  What does the job of a traveling dog entail?

BOWIE: My travel career started with lots of local trips around my hometown when I was young, from paddle boarding on the Sunshine Coast to snow shoeing in Whistler, I got to explore it all. Turns out I’m really good at travelling with my mum, so she decided I was ready for a promotion! She spent all her spare time looking for places we could travel to and came up with her big plan to take me to Europe! My main role on our trip is to sniff out all the best dog friendly spots so I can share them online with all my friends.

BOWIE IN SCOTLAND

SIR VALENTINO: What is your breed and how does it help you navigate the destinations your go to?

BOWIE: Mum says I’m a mixed breed,, I think that makes me stand out when out & about in new places, people love to come up and say hi.

SIR VALENTINO: What is the most memorable place, in the world, you have traveled to? Which place is the most dog friendly?

BOWIE: I think the most memorable place so far would have to be the Outer Hebrides off mainland Scotland, you have to take a dog friendly ferry out there which makes them so remote not many dogs can say they’ve run across the beaches of such a beautiful place! The most dog friendly country though is definitely Italy. I felt like a local celebrity! The Italians LOVE dogs & we can go almost anywhere humans can. My mum took me everywhere to see it all, I especially loved the wineries of Tuscany & beaches on the Amalfi Coast.  

SIR VALENTINO: What places in the US have you traveled to and what was your favorite place? What makes it special?

BOWIE: So far I’ve been to 18 states in the US! I did a huge road trip to catch my flight to Europe that entailed driving all the way from Vancouver to New York last Fall and I loved so many places. My favorite was definitely Breckenridge Colorado, we stayed at The Lodge which is one of the highest elevation hotels in the world! They’re super dog friendly & I got to explore so many trails in the mountains and local patios in town for a bite to eat. Mum said it was extra special because the hotel had outdoor hot tubs so I could keep her company when she wanted to go relax, that’s pretty unique for a hotel!

SIR VALENTINO: What is the most difficult part of traveling with humans? How do you have to prepare for your trips?  

BOWIE: The most difficult part is finding ways to fly, I’m not as small as other dogs so regular airlines don’t allow me to fly with my mum in the cabin which is really unfair. I was too scared to travel in the hold of the plane, so my mum found me a special VIP option to fly from New York to London! I took a special dog friendly flight with K9 Jets, where dogs like me can travel in luxury on a private plane full of fellow dog travelers! I was so good on my flight, mum helped me prepare by getting me some pills to relax and I was so happy sat on her lap just watching the clouds going by below.

SIR VALENTINO: What travel tips can you give other dogs who are looking to travel?  

BOWIE: I have so many I could go on forever, I love sharing tips to help other pups to travel like me! My top tip is always visit your vet before going anywhere, staying healthy is the key to having fun on my travels so I like to ask my vet if there’s any vaccines or paperwork I need for my trip before going. Staying in hotels can also be a bit strange for us dogs at first, so enjoying some short local trips first is a great way to get used to hotel life before going somewhere further away!  

BOWIE IN ITALY

SIR VALENTINO: Have you found any cool pet brands along your travels? Where and what do they make?

BOWIE: Mum says crash tested products to keep me safe in the car are super important so that I don’t get hurt on our travels. Brands that I have and love are Ruffland kennels when I drive in the US & a Kurgo car safe harness for when I’m travelling around Europe. They make me feel much safer and now I’m happy to ride in the car! I also LOVE my Diggs Enventur inflatable travel crate, it’s so convenient because my mum can carry it around everywhere we go and set it up so easily so I always have a safe, comfy bed to hangout in no matter where we are.

SIR VALENTINO: Where do you usually stay during these travels? Is there special high end pet hotels?

BOWIE: I usually stay in a mix of dog friendly Airbnbs & hotels! My favorite are places with lots of outdoor areas for me to go walkies, no weight restrictions (so I can eat as many treats as I like) and restaurants that I’m allowed to hangout with my mum too. The more luxury the better!

SIR VALENTINO: What should we be looking for when looking at dinning? Or do bring your own prepped meals? 

BOWIE: Mum tries to bring my food with me everywhere we go and keep it the same so I don’t get an upset tummy. My favorite is Orijen kibble, it’s super tasty and best of all it’s available in every country we’ve travelled to so far so I get to have the same yummy dinner no matter where we are in the world! It can be challenging taking doggy food across countries due to restrictions so it’s important to find some yummy food ahead of time.

SIR VALENTINO: Was there specific training or certification you had to go through as part of your travel career?

BOWIE: I don’t have to have any special certification to travel as a pet, but my mum did lots of training with me beforehand so I’d be all ready for our adventure. I learned how to sleep and relax in my travel crate, walk nicely on leash so I can explore each new place by my mums side and how to behave when in public places like cafes and restaurants. I’ve been learning all these things since I was a puppy to be the best travel dog possible!

SIR VALENTINO: How do you define your personal style? Are there any special accessories that identify your traveling style? Do you have a special luggage to carry it all?

BOWIE: I don’t like to wear too many accessories, I’d say my hair is my best look! When it’s winter though I do have a special fleece by Equafleece that’s waterproof so I don’t mess up my hair, mum says it’s a godsend for keeping hotels clean and tidy when we go on muddy walks.

SIR VALENTINO:  I know personally that being a doodle has lots of hair needs? How do you manage your hair in all the various climates and different elements you encounter around the world?  

BOWIE: I pride myself on keeping my hair looking good! I can’t keep up my regular grooming appointments when travelling but luckily my mum knows how to make sure I’m always at my best. Now that the weather is heating up I like to rock a short haircut which means I can swim and play without being uncomfortable, my mum cuts my hair herself, she wasn’t great at first but she’s getting better!

SIR VALENTINO: Where is your next trip? What adventures do you expect to participate in?  and why there?

BOWIE: I’m off to Spain next! But you can’t keep a travel dog still for too long, I plan on continuing to visit as many European countries as possible. I’m particularly excited to see Portugal, Greece and Croatia because they have beautiful beaches which is my favorite thing ever, I love digging holes and dipping my paws in the water.

SIR VALENTINO: Is there something special you want to share with our readers?

BOWIE: I just want other dogs to know it’s so much fun travelling and not as hard as you’d think! There’s such a great dog travel community worldwide that all love to help each other out with tips and recommendations, it’s a great space to be apart of, so if you’ve dreamed of travelling but don’t know how you can follow along with us and we’ll help.

Find him also on Instagram @doodlepassport

The Calming Influence Of ZORA The Service-Trained Therapy Dog Proven Effective

First responders face unique challenges on the frontlines, it is essential that therapeutic treatments are specifically tailored to address their distinct experiences. At Frontline Behavioral Wellness, they prioritize therapies that have been proven effective for these heroes. In this interview I dive into K9 Zora’s role at Frontline Behavioral Wellness and her calm life.

SIR VALENTINO: Zora can you tell me a little bit about your typical day and your team. 

ZORA: As a service-trained therapy dog for Frontline Behavioral Wellness, I've been trained to  detect high levels of cortisol for first responder clients with PTSD, my job involves providing emotional support and comfort to individuals experiencing stress or anxiety. I use my keen sense of smell to detect changes in their cortisol levels, alerting them to potential triggers and helping them manage their emotions. By being a constant source of companionship and reassurance, I aid in reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm in my clients. 

SIR VALENTINO: How do you see benefit from a doggie lifestyle of today? How do you envision it in the future? 

ZORA: While I, as a service dog, don't have a personal lifestyle in the typical sense, I do see benefits in the advancements in pet care and products that improve the well-being of all dogs. In the future, I envision even more tailored services and products to enhance dogs' lives, including advanced health monitoring technologies, personalized nutrition plans, and innovative training methods to support our overall health and happiness. 

ZORA’s professional picture for Frontline Behavioral Wellness

SIR VALENTINO: What activities do you engage in to relax and/or vacation? 

ZORA: Throughout the day, I relax by engaging in short naps, training sessions, eating snacks, and enjoying gentle pets from my handler and the clients at the treatment center where I work. I also enjoy playing with my favorite toys during breaks. I especially love my squeaky toys and bones.  

SIR VALENTINO: What family and breed trait do you use the most to get away with things, or to make your job easier? 

Zora: I use my intelligence and loyalty as a Belgian Malinois to get away with things and make my job easier. My keen problem-solving skills help me navigate tasks effectively.

SIR VALENTINO: What are your favorite pet lifestyle brands and why? 

ZORA: As a service dog, I don't have personal preferences for pet lifestyle brands. However, reputable brands known for their quality, durability, comfort, and safety features in products such as harnesses, vests, and grooming tools are generally well-regarded among service dogs and their handlers. 

SIR VALENTINO:  Do you have any beauty tips, that have worked for you, you can pass along to other dogs? Maybe what hasn’t worked. 

ZORA: Beauty tip for fellow service dogs - regular grooming sessions to keep my coat shiny and healthy, and maintaining good hygiene by keeping my paws clean and nails trimmed. 

SIR VALENTINO: How do you see your role with Fronltline Bahavioral Wellness in the future? 

ZORA: As a therapy dog for Frontline Behavioral Wellness, I see my role expanding to provide even more personalized support and comfort to individuals in need. I envision being involved in various therapeutic activities, including individual sessions, group therapy, and community outreach programs to help promote emotional well-being and healing. My presence will continue to offer a calming influence and aid in reducing stress and anxiety for those seeking support from Frontline Behavioral Wellness. 

K9 Zora’s at Frontline Behavioral Wellness.

SIR VALENTINO:  What organizations do you support and why? 

ZORA: Working Dogs for Warriors!! , they are perfectly aligned with our mission.


SIR VALENTINO:  What questions do you get asked a lot and what questions do you love and hate getting? 

ZORA: I frequently get asked questions about my age, breed, training, and job responsibilities. I love getting questions that allow me to showcase my skills and intelligence. I don't particularly enjoy repetitive questions about basic dog behaviors or questions that undermine my capabilities as a service dog. 

Zora at the Working Dogs For Warriors annual walk for suicide prevention..

SIR VALENTINO:  What certifications are needed and how do you stay prepared for your job? 

ZORA: I had to pass all the CGC tests. I had to train many hours and during the week and weekends.

Zora with client

SIR VALENTINO:  What is your favorite part of your home and why? 

ZORA: My favorite part of our home is the cozy corner where I relax with my 9-year-old Dachshund big brother named Zodiac. I love snuggling up with him, playing together, and just enjoying each other's company in our special space. He's the best but sometimes I'm a little too clingy and annoy him. 

Cooper The 911 Dispatch Dog Brings Them Back To Their Baseline

COOPER with his certifications

In a rare tell-all, I sat with Cooper The 911 Dispatch Dog for an exclusive interview and some inside scoop. He tells me about his life as a dispatch dog and his fun trip to Disneyland. I have the opportunity to train with Cooper at Working Dog For Warriors. Don’t miss the video at the end of the interview.

SIR VALENTINO: Can you tell me what your job as a Dispatch Dog actually entails? What’s your day-to-day and your team like?

COOPER: My handler, Korin Peltier, is a 911 dispatcher for fire and medical emergencies. Her dispatch center is located in a firehouse on the third floor. I accompany her to work everyday where I bring joy, comfort, and smiles to her fellow dispatchers along with firefighters and paramedics. First responders are no strangers to difficult and mentally and emotionally draining calls. I am here to help lower their blood pressure, lower their heart rate, and bring them back to their baseline so that our first responders can best help with the next emergency call that comes in. The firefighters are so happy to see me when they come back from running a call. The dispatchers are so happy to have me with them in the dispatch center to provide comfort and warmth after taking a difficult emergency call.

Cooper The 911 Dispatch Dog with his handler Korin Peltie

SIR VALENTINO: How do you see the American dog lifestyle of today?

COOPER: More and more people are owning dogs and treating them like children…as they should! We are their babies! We get to go everywhere with our handlers, sleep on comfy beds, and some of us even eat better than our humans! We are so loved and so lucky!

SIR VALENTINO: What activities do you engage in to relax and/or vacation?

COOPER: I love to nap! I am a HUGE napper. For vacation, I love Disneyland and meeting all the characters. My favorite was Pluto! I even go on some of the rides too. My favorite is the Ariel ride.

Cooper The 911 Dispatch Dog meets Pluto; Disneyland.

SIR VALENTINO: What are your favorite pet lifestyle brands and why?

COOPER: We really love our new One Tigris tactical vest for work. I will be getting my badge pinned at our upcoming ceremony at work and the vest fits my badge really nice. We also like to support small businesses. Shepherd Snuggles has made a lot of our Velcro patches. We love the quality of her designs and how clean they look. Alpha Dog Leashes makes incredible biothane leashes and supports first responders. It may not be considered a pet lifestyle brands but we also have Pets Best Insurance. We highly recommend pet insurance, it can save you money in the long run and help protect your pet.

SIR VALENTINO:  Do you have any beauty tips, that have worked for you, you can pass along to other dogs? Maybe what hasn’t worked.

COOPER: My mom puts a lot of work into my coat. Being a goldendoodle, I am a little high maintenance. She has to brush me just about everyday and she gets me groomed every 4 weeks! We have a few detangler sprays but we haven’t found one we really like. Slicker brushes are great for the doodle fur and help with matts and keeping my fur fluffy!

SIR VALENTINO: How do you see your role in the future?

COOPER: Mine and my handler’s goal is to create a new position in our dispatch center where we can focus on assisting supervisors and admin staff and not be tied to the dispatch floor. We get a lot of requests for Wellness K9 visits and we often can’t make it due to short staffing or I am working night shift so I am asleep during the day. We want to be able to help as many first responders as possible. We want to be the best that we can be, so being able to train more frequently with Working Dogs For Warriors would be ideal to.

SIR VALENTINO:  What organizations do you support and why?

COOPER: Working Dogs For Warriors of course! The WDFW Pack are incredible. They are passionate and dedicated. They want to help first responders and veterans and truly want the best for our K9s and us. We also support The Glendale Fire Foundation. They help my mom fund me. We enjoy supporting local K9, veteran, and first responder organizations as well.

SIR VALENTINO:  What questions do you get asked a lot and what questions do you love and hate getting?

COOPER: We often get asked how often I have to get groomed. We don’t mind getting asked this question. The fact that I get groomed every 4 weeks shows that my mom cares about my health, wellness, and hygiene. We also get asked how much I weigh and if I am done growing. We don’t mind this question either. I weigh 80 pounds and my mom hopes I am done growing haha We don’t have any questions that we have hated. We welcome all questions and love educating people on who I am and what I do.

SIR VALENTINO:  What certifications are needed and how do you stay prepared for your job?

COOPER: My handler is peer support and CISM certified. She also is certified in psychological first aid and pet first aid. I have my CGC, CGC-A, CGC-U, and my Therapy Dog Certification. We train with WDFW every first and third Wednesday. Our goal is to attend more training with WDFW, schedule permitting. My mom and I also train at home. We want to keep both of our abilities strong so that we can be the best that we can be.

Cooper at the Working Dogs For Warriors Training Facility

SIR VALENTINO:  What matters to you most?

COOPER: It is important for us to stay trained. We want to grow individually and together as a K9 team so that we can help our first responders the best we can! We want to help grow our Wellness K9 Program within our department and continue to help support first responders and their wellbeing.

SIR VALENTINO:  Did I forget to ask you anything you would like to share with our readers?

COOPER: Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity to share our life with you! We appreciate your support and everything you do for the community!