2026 International Courthouse Dogs Conference: Full Schedule

3:00pm PDT

Sparked: One Handler's Journey and What It Takes to Start a New Program

Wednesday October 7, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Every facility dog program begins with a moment — a story heard, a dog witnessed at work, a conviction that this is something your community needs. For Heather Martin, that spark came from another handler, and what followed was a journey of research, persistence, advocacy, and ultimately, a thriving new program in Castle Rock, Colorado.

In this session, Heather shares her story — not just as inspiration, but as a roadmap. Whether you are in the early stages of research, actively building the case for a program in your community, or looking to become an advocate who helps others start programs of their own, Heather's experience offers something for every stage of the journey.

From navigating institutional buy-in to finding the right placing organization, understanding the CDF resources available to you, and building the community support that makes a program sustainable — this is the session for anyone who has ever thought, "we need one of these where I live."

Come with your questions. Heather started exactly where you are.

Speakers

Heather Martin

Court Supervisor II, Douglas (CO) County Courthouse

Hi, I'm Heather! I have worked for the Colorado Judicial Branch for 15 years in various roles including clerking for judges, in the Clerk of Court's office, and am now a Supervisor overseeing many different areas of the court. It was while working in a Dependency and Neglect docket... Read More →

Wednesday October 7, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Seymour

Breakout Sessions

11:30am PDT

Paws, Posts & Presence: Building Your Program's Visual Story

Thursday October 8, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Seymour

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.

Speakers