This week on Robin’s Nest, we celebrate courage, loyalty, and the incredible bond between humans and dogs with four remarkable past winners of the American Humane Hero Dog Awards. From lifesaving rescues to inspiring acts of service and companionship, these extraordinary canine heroes and their devoted handlers share unforgettable stories that prove why dogs truly are man’s best friend. Join Robin as she welcomes these inspiring guests for a heartwarming episode filled with hope, heroism and wagging tails.

In this episode of Robin’s Nest, hosted by Dr. Robin Ganzert, meet Harrison, a two-year-old Labrador Retriever and Caldwell County’s first Electronics Scent Detection (ESD) K-9.

Trained to locate hidden devices like phones and flash drives, Harrison helps uncover critical evidence in cases involving the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Alongside his handler, Lt. Doug Dupell, his work plays a key role in protecting vulnerable victims and supporting justice.

A finalist for the Hero Dog Awards, Harrison also serves as a community ambassador, building trust and offering comfort beyond investigations.

A powerful nose. A vital mission.

In this special International Penguin Day episode of Robin’s Nest, we travel to South Africa’s coastline to meet CJ Havemann, Centre Manager of SANCCOB’s Gqeberha facility, one of the world’s most critical lifelines for the endangered African penguin.

From oil spills to habitat loss, African penguins face mounting threats pushing them closer to extinction. But at SANCCOB, rescue teams are fighting back, rehabilitating injured birds, hand-rearing abandoned chicks, and releasing them back into the wild with a second chance at survival.

CJ takes us behind the scenes of this urgent, hands-on conservation work, sharing what it means to meet the highest global standards of animal welfare through Global Humane Conservation Certification, and why that matters not just for individual animals, but for the future of an entire species.

Through powerful stories of survival and the people dedicated to making it possible, this episode is a reminder that conservation is not just about saving wildlife, it’s about protecting the fragile balance of our planet.

This International Penguin Day, discover how compassion, science, and action can come together to keep hope alive for one of the ocean’s most beloved birds.

And be sure to stay tuned until the very end, because this episode closes with a special surprise that could change the future for African penguins in a very big way.

In this inspiring episode of Robin’s Nest, we welcome a truly extraordinary duo: Donald, a six-year-old Labrador Retriever and Hero Dog Award finalist, and his handler, U.S. military veteran Terry Galgano. After losing her central vision following 25 years of service, Terry faced a life-altering transition, but with Donald by her side, she found a renewed sense of independence, confidence and joy.

Donald is far more than a guide dog. He provides intuitive navigation, constant companionship and life-saving protection in Terry’s daily life. Together, they travel the country, host public events and even ski, experiences that once felt out of reach. At home, their bond shines through in playful moments, from dancing to music to games of hide-and-seek, strengthening the trust that defines their partnership.

We also explore what sets exceptional guide dogs apart, including the powerful concept of “intelligent disobedience,” a skill Donald demonstrated when he prevented Terry from stepping into a dangerous construction zone, an act that likely avoided serious injury and helped earn him national recognition as a Hero Dog nominee.

This episode is a moving reminder of the profound connection between humans and animals, and how courage, trust and partnership can transform lives in the most meaningful ways.

In this inspiring episode of Robin’s Nest, we meet Lieutenant Dan, an Emerging Hero and Shelter finalist in the American Humane Hero Dog Awards whose life story is redefining resilience. Born with a severe limb deformity that left him without his hind legs and tail, this seven-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound has never let physical challenges limit his joy for life.

Joined by his devoted handler Laura Pearson, Lieutenant Dan proudly shows the world what it means to be “handicapable.” From adventurous outings to helping foster animals with special needs build confidence, his infectious spirit inspires both people and pets to embrace life without limits.

This episode celebrates a remarkable dog whose courage, joy and unwavering resilience remind us that true heroism comes from the heart.

In this special Robin’s Nest episode, we bring together all four past Kiessling Prize winners, Kathleen Dudzinski, Arnaud Desbiez, Theo Pagel, and Jon Paul Rodríguez, to share their unique journeys and the impact the award had on their work. From breakthrough research to bold conservation projects, hear firsthand how the Kiessling Prize helped them take their ideas further, overcome challenges and create lasting change. Whether you’re curious about the award or thinking about applying, their stories offer insight, inspiration and a glimpse at what it takes to become the next Kiessling Prize winner.

In this episode of Robin’s Nest, we welcome American Humane Hero Dog finalist K9 Ultra and her handler, Alaina Whitaker.

A four-year-old German Shepherd/Dutch Shepherd mix serving as a Coast Guard Military Working Dog, K9 Ultra is a highly trained detection specialist who can switch instantly from playful companion to mission-ready protector at the command “seek.” Together, K9 Ultra and Alaina share how military working dogs safeguard lives through explosive detection, motorcade security and force protection in high-stakes environments.

From clearing a vice-presidential motorcade route to standing watch at home, K-9 Ultra’s story is one of loyalty, discipline, and the powerful bond between handler and K-9. This episode shines a light on the extraordinary, and often unseen, service of military working dogs who protect our nation every day.

On this episode of Robin’s Nest, Robin sits down with Danté Fenolio, Ph.D., world-renowned conservationist and Vice President of the Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo. With over 30 years protecting some of the planet’s rarest and “creepy crawly” species, Danté shares his journey from breeding amphibians as a child to pioneering first-ever captive breeding programs for species like the Crater Lake Newt and Dougherty Plain Cave Crayfish.

He also discusses innovative conservation approaches, including portable shipping-container labs and community partnerships in the Peruvian Amazon through Project Selva. A finalist for the Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize, Danté reflects on the lessons learned from decades of fieldwork, photography and science-driven solutions for endangered species worldwide.

From deep caves to rainforest canopies, this episode celebrates curiosity, ingenuity and the hope that even the smallest creatures can thrive again.