Photo courtesy DoveLewis The DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital is helping bridge the gap between veterinary medicine and public safety through workshops that teach K9 handlers how to provide emergency care to their working dogs in the field. The sessions, led by Sarah Tauber, DVM, focus on real-world emergencies, such as opioid exposure, trauma, and other critical incidents. Participants learn to administer Narcan, apply bandages, monitor vital signs, and perform essential first aid—skills that can keep dogs alive until they reach a veterinary facility. "Our goal is to give handlers the confidence and knowledge to protect their K9 partners in any situation," says Dr. Tauber. "These dogs are essential to public safety, and every second counts when they encounter opioids, accidents, or other hazards. Being prepared can save lives." The training program collaborates with Oregon agencies, including the Beaverton Police Department, the Oregon Police Canine Association, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Future sessions will focus on specialized K9 units working in drug detection and exposure. Photo courtesy DoveLewis Photo courtesy DoveLewis Beyond these workshops, DoveLewis continues to expand its role in veterinary education. Through its online training platform, atDove, the organization has shared veterinary resources worldwide for over a decade. A newly added 100-person community room now hosts a wider range of in-person training opportunities for veterinary professionals, first responders, and the public. Photo courtesy DoveLewis "By training handlers to provide immediate care to their K9 partners, we’re strengthening not just the dogs’ health but their ability to protect and serve the community," says Tauber.
