A police K9 given weeks to live walked onto an NFL field to a standing ovation—and reminded us why hope is a strategy. We sit down with Chris to trace Tambo’s journey from a sudden ER scare and a brutal hemangiosarcoma diagnosis to a rare break in the odds, immediate chemotherapy, and a plan built on grit, joy, and relentless love. What starts as a private fight grows into a movement as Chris turns chemo days into themed “fight nights,” shares their road trips and recovery, and watches a community rally around a dog who keeps choosing life.

We go deep on what it means to reject fixed timelines and lead with intention. Chris breaks down the mind–body–spirit approach that keeps Tambo strong: top-tier oncology, hydrotherapy and rehab, therapeutic massage, tailored nutrition, active play, and a calm mindset. Along the way, messages pour in from patients and parents who draw strength from a shepherd’s wag and a handler’s voice. Media features, sold-out “Tambo Strong” shirts, and a “Defy the Odds” line help fund care and spread his story. The Philadelphia Eagles honor Tambo during their salute to service game; 70,000 fans rise as he barks at the camera, a live-action reminder that resilience is a daily choice.

What if the partner you needed most was the one everyone else overlooked? We sit down with veteran officer Chris Bingham to share the remarkable arc of his relationship with K9 Tambo—the “aloof” dog who wouldn’t bond—through seven years of elite detection work, a tough retirement, and a sudden cancer battle that forced split‑second choices and deeper courage.

Chris takes us inside the quiet craft of canine detection: how a handler learns to read breath, posture, and micro‑signals; when to guide and when to trust; and why the best teams communicate without words. We talk about the milestones that defined their run—presidential inaugurations, major sporting venues, thousands of searches—and the smaller moments that mattered more: a hesitant climb onto a hotel bed, a first nap at the foot, and the feeling of finally being seen. When a ligament tear ended Tambo’s working career, a new purpose emerged at home as he guarded Chris’s newborn son, dispelling myths about temperament and proving that service doesn’t stop with the badge.

Then everything changed. A playful chase with a backyard squirrel led to double CCL injuries and costly surgery, until Project K9 Hero stepped in to shoulder medical expenses and restore options. Honors followed—from MLB clubhouses to on‑field salutes—before a mid‑July emergency exposed a ruptured splenic mass and probable cancer. Chris walks us through the frantic vet visit, the moment Tambo looked truly afraid, and the decision to operate despite the odds. It’s a raw, human account of loyalty, resilience, and the communities that rise to help retired police dogs when they need it most.

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When faced with the suffocating grip of domestic abuse, Dana S. Diaz decided to forge a path of resilience and empowerment. Her journey was not without its obstacles, including the onset of a global pandemic, but Dana's unwavering vision for a life filled with love and free from harm carried her through. Our conversation with Dana is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for transformation, as she narrates the defining moments that led her to reclaim her identity and support others who tread on similar paths. She provides an honest look at the intricacies of crafting a future where one's worth is not diminished by another's control.

The simple act of applying lipstick can symbolize a profound reclaiming of autonomy, as Dana illustrates through her experiences post-trauma. Our discussion underscores the importance of indulging in seemingly small acts of self-care and the substantial impact they can have on healing. Dana's emphasis on feeling joy, establishing boundaries, and nurturing relationships that respect individual growth is not just advice but a rallying cry for anyone who has ever felt overshadowed in a partnership. Her insights are a reminder that true connections should make us feel expansive, not confined.

Dana's courage in sharing her battle with PTSD and the benefits of therapies like EMDR opens up an essential dialogue on mental health recovery. Her narrative is a vivid exploration of the challenges of detaching from unhealthy patterns and the importance of self-forgiveness and gratitude. Further, we navigate the treacherous waters of narcissistic abuse and its insidious effects on well-being, highlighting the silent toll stress can exact on our bodies. Dana's powerful story, filled with grit and grace, not only sheds light on the resources available to those in need but also stands as a beacon of hope for every listener, affirming that amidst adversity, resilience can indeed be reignited.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The co-hosts of this podcast are not medical professionals. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by the podcast hosts or guests is solely at your own risk.

Pamela Cass is a licensed broker with Kentwood Real Estate
Natalie Davis is a licensed broker with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC