
Episode #26
They Saved Lives: The Untold Story of Australia's Military Working Dogs | Part 1
Send us Fan Mail Episode Description Welcome to the first Animals with Jobs feature on Animal Talk with Trisha McCagh—a new series exploring the remarkable roles animals play alongside humans. In this powerful episode, Trisha is joined by Ryan Wilson, former SAS soldier, military dog handler and co-founder of Working Paws Australia, a charity dedicated to supporting retired military working dogs throughout their lives. Ryan shares the unforgettable story of Fax, the courageous Belgian Malinois whose actions saved lives during combat in Afghanistan, and reflects on his own military dog, Keni, whose years of service and loyal partnership left a lasting impact. Together they explore the extraordinary bond between handler and dog, how these remarkable animals are trained for high-risk operations, and why they are never viewed as equipment—but as trusted teammates and family. This episode is a moving tribute to the courage, loyalty and lifelong legacy of military working dogs. Episode Highlights • Introducing the new Animals with Jobs series. • Ryan's life-changing experience serving alongside military dogs. • The incredible story of Fax and a mission that changed everything. • How military working dogs are selected and trained. • The powerful bond between handlers and their canine partners. • Keni's remarkable career, retirement and touching farewell. Key Takeaways Military working dogs have saved countless lives through their courage and specialised training. The relationship between handler and dog is built on trust, loyalty and mutual respect. These dogs willingly work beside their handlers because of the extraordinary bond they share. Retirement is just as important as service, with organisations like Working Paws Australia ensuring these heroes receive lifelong care. Episode Chapters ⏱️ 00:00 – Introducing Animals with Jobs 02:30 – Meet Ryan Wilson05:00 – The story of Fax 15:00 – The bond between handler and dog 22:00 – Keni's service and retirement 29:00 – How military dogs are trained 36:00 – Part 2 preview What does the Plant Think? Blushield 1https://nexusmagazine.com/product-category/emf-protection/blushield/?v=8bcc25c96aa5 Animal News This week's Animal News with Dana Saidi explores whether elderly people moving into aged care should be able to keep their companion animals. While research shows pets improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness and support better health, Trisha and Dana also examine the animal's perspective—asking whether confined living environments can truly meet an animal's physical and emotional needs. The discussion encourages a fresh look at how aged care could evolve to better support both people and the animals they love.If you would like to suggest a discussion for Animal Newsemail - trisha@animaltalk.com.au About the Guest Ryan Wilson is a former Australian SAS soldier, military working dog handler and co-founder of Working Paws Australia. Following years of operational service, Ryan now helps ensure retired military working dogs receive veterinary care, rehabilitation and loving retirement homes, honouring their service long after their working careers end. If you would like to help Ryan help these dogs then donate using this link - http://www.workingpawsaustralia.com/ Coming Up in Part 2 In Part 2, Ryan shares what happens after military service ends, the challenges retired military dogs face, and the inspiring work Working Paws Australia is doing to support these remarkable animals for the rest of their lives. Listen, Share & Stay Connected If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Animal Talk with Trisha McCagh, leave a review, and share this conversation with anyone who loves animals or wants to learn more about the extraordinary partnerships between humans and working animals. Hashtags#AnimalTalkPodcast #AnimalsWithJobs #MilitaryWorkingDogs #WorkingPawsAustralia #BelgianMalinois #AnimalHeroes #HumanAnimalBond #DogLovers #AnimalWellbeing #TrishaMcCagh Support the show Contact us at www.animaltalk.com.au

