About this episode
Send us a text I first met Jessie some 8 years ago when she payed her way into a decoy class that I was teaching. She immediately impressed me with her athleticism and enthusiasm. At that time, she was simply a young law enforcement officer with and intense desire to become a k9 handler. She did her due diligence to make herself a viable candidate for the job and was rewarded with the opportunity. On this episode, Jessie shares some of her journey. Like most journeys hers includes successes and hardships. There a many lessons to take away from this episode. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did.....Howard Jessie Owens-Wilder (Aka Tanto) has been in law enforcement for almost 10 years and is embarking on her master police officer recognition. Within that time frame she has had many different roles at her agency so of which were being on the agency's swat team, bike patrol team, and is now a part of the k9 unit. She has always had an interest in k9 and quickly pursued decoying as a way to learn as much as she could about the specialty. Jessie decoyed for multiple years until the k9 position opened up at her agency. She was selected to be her agency's handler and she has been serving her community for the past 6 years with her partner K9 Wilson. We are pleased to have Vested Interest in K9's as a sponsor. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) non-profit whose mission is to provide bullet and stab-protective vests and other assistance to dogs. Check it out www.vik9s.org. Please welcome Ray Allen Manufacturing as a sponsor to the podcast. Go to the most trusted name in industry for all of your k9 related equipment. For a 10% discount use the RAMWDDP10 discount code. Welcome our sponsor Gold Coast K9 . Gold Coast K9 trains and deploys hand-selected service dogs for personal and family protection, police agencies, and school districts. Their training programs rank among the best and most trusted in the world. Follow Gold Coast k9 on all social media platforms. For 10% off merchandise use the GCK910 discount code on their website www.goldcoastk9.com HLTK9 Conference continues to be a supporter of the WDDP. They are gearing up for the next conference in Myrtle Beach SC. Plan ahead, the 2026 conference will be April 14 - 16 2026. Register today at www.htlk9.com. Welcome our newest sponsor NCK9LLC. Located in Four Oaks NC, just east of Raleigh NC. Jim O'Brien and staff offer a variety of K9 services. Contact them at Phone : 919-353-7149 Email: jobrien@nck9.us