Your facility dog is one of the most compelling storytellers in the room — and your social media presence should be too. In this session, Kim Gramlich, President of Justice Facility Dogs Canada and the creative force behind the beloved Paws with Puma channels, shares what she has learned building an authentic, engaging social media presence that goes far beyond cute dog photos. From Instagram to Facebook to LinkedIn, Kim will walk attendees through the art of building a visual story that captures the heart of this work — one that resonates with potential donors, raises community awareness, and opens doors to partnerships and support. Along the way she'll tackle one of every black dog handler's favorite challenges: how to actually capture your dog on camera when they have a talent for disappearing into the shadows. Spoiler — lighting, angles, and a little patience go a long way. Whether your program has zero social media presence or a following you're ready to grow, this session will leave you with practical tools, fresh ideas, and a new appreciation for the story only your dog can tell.
Your facility dog shows up for everyone else — this session is about showing up for them.
Dr. Irene O'Brien, a veterinarian with firsthand understanding of the demands placed on working dogs, brings a practitioner's lens to one of the most important — and sometimes overlooked — aspects of running a successful facility dog program: the health and welfare of the dog at the center of it all.
From recognizing the subtle signs of stress and fatigue to understanding the physical demands of high-volume justice work, Dr. O'Brien will share practical, actionable tips that handlers can take home and put to use immediately. Topics will touch on routine wellness, stress indicators, the importance of recovery time, and how to be your dog's best advocate within your organization and with your veterinary team.
Dr. Irene O'Brien graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan with distinction. She is an owner of Scottsdale Veterinary Hospital in Surrey, B.C. and has been enjoying the challenges of small animal medicine and surgery for more than... Read More →
