What happens when the bond between a K9 handler and his retired working dog is tested by something no training can prepare them for?

In this episode, federal law enforcement officer Chris Bingham shares the powerful, behind-the-scenes story of his retired K9 partner, Tambo — a dog who served with unwavering loyalty and is now facing one of the toughest battles a family can experience: hemangiosarcoma, a fast-moving and often terminal diagnosis in dogs.

Chris describes how he and Tambo first became partners, how their bond deepened over years of working side by side, and what it really looks like to help a working dog transition into retirement after a lifetime of service.

But what makes Chris and Tambo’s story especially compelling is how they’ve chosen to respond to hardship. Rather than turning inward, they’ve become a source of strength and encouragement for others — offering support to both dogs and humans facing life-altering health challenges.

Their journey also highlights the critical role organizations like Project K9 Hero play in supporting retired working dogs who no longer have funding for their care. 

This episode offers an intimate and honest look at the loyalty, responsibility, and deep connection between a handler and his dog. It’s a story of resilience in the face of devastating news, of a working dog’s enduring legacy, and of the unexpected ways humans and animals continue to lift one another up through the hardest chapters of life.

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