Helping Hounds

When I first heard about the organization that today’s guest, Jennifer Hartman, works for, I felt like I could’ve found my dream conservation job. Two of my greatest loves in life combined - dogs and biology. Apparently this is quite a common perception, but it takes a very special type of person, and an even more special type of dog to join this well-oiled team.Rogue Detection Teams is made up of field biologists, known as ‘bounders’, and rescue dogs, chosen for their supreme desire to fetch.

These human-canine teams head out into some of the most hostile environments on the planet for days or weeks at a time, all in the name of conservation. They’ve made numerous important new discoveries, contributed to crucial conservation work, and informed management plans for ecosystems and the species that call them home.In this emotional interview, Jennifer shares her highlights and heartbreaks, and I realize why I might not actually be cut out for the job after all.

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