Robin's Nest – From Stray to Guardian: Sgt. Bo’s Story of Healing (January 20, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt episode, host Dr. Robin Ganzert welcomes Fay Okert and her remarkable dog, Sgt. Bo, the 2025 American Humane Hero Dog Award winner. From wandering the streets as a stray to comforting a community in the aftermath of tragedy, Sgt. Bo’s story is a moving testament to the power of second chances, the healing impact of therapy dogs, and the profound human-animal bond. Fay and Dr. Ganzert discuss Sgt. Bo's transformation, their service to the Nashville community, and the enduring lessons learned from their extraordinary partnership.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Sgt. Bo’s Journey: From Stray to Hero

• Origins in Cocoa Beach

  • Sgt. Bo was found wandering as a stray in Cocoa Beach, FL, in September 2022, suffering from a skin condition.
  • Placed in Brevard County Animal Shelter's "Paws and Stripes" program, where inmates and dogs help each other heal.
  • Sheriff Wayne Ivey, known for his commitment to animal welfare, oversees the program.
  • “[Sheriff Ivey] runs a program for 12 weeks where inmates take care of the dogs. And the reality is the dogs take care of the inmates as well.” – Fay Okert (02:18)

• The Unexpected Match

  • Fay, a 34-year police veteran, had requested a female, short-haired dog, but was paired with Bo instead.
  • At first, Fay worried Bo's appearance might draw ridicule, but a trainer insisted, “No, he’s going back to Nashville.”
  • This led Fay to reflect with children about the dangers of judging by appearance:
    • “Don’t treat somebody bad or don’t judge somebody because they look different from you…give them a chance because I didn’t…look at what I would have lost.” – Fay Okert (06:00)

• Multifaceted Breed, Unmistakable Goodness

  • DNA test reveals Bo is part pit, golden retriever, poodle, and a mysterious 8%.
  • “He is 100% good boy, and that’s why he wears the vest that says ‘100% good boy.’” – Fay Okert (07:31)

Therapy Work in Nashville Schools

• Fay’s Career and Retirement

  • Served with Metro Nashville Police Department from 1991, including 18 years as a School Resource Officer.
  • Retired in June with Sgt. Bo; now both volunteer their time.

• Impact on Students and Staff

  • Bo worked alongside Fay, comforting students and staff experiencing trauma and stress.
  • Fay highlights how seeing Bo’s effect on others gave her a new perspective:
    • “I spent the last three years seeing the job from a different viewpoint because I get to see at the other end of the leash what he does for people.” – Fay Okert (04:10)

The Covenant School Shooting: Sgt. Bo’s Defining Moment

• First Crisis Response ([08:57] – [13:49])
  • Within three months of joining Fay, Bo responded to the 2023 Covenant School shooting in Nashville.
  • He joined children on school buses as they faced unimaginable trauma, providing immediate comfort.
  • “He walked right up on the bus like a trooper, like he had done it every day. …You could just feel the tension…change when he got on there.” – Fay Okert (09:20)
  • Bo and Fay stayed all day, from greeting each child and staff member to being there until the last person had gone home.
  • Memorable parent feedback: “Their child didn’t come home and talk about what happened…their child came home talking about this dog named Sergeant Bo.” – Fay Okert (12:10)
  • Bo and Fay made it their mission to continue supporting the school community, remaining present long after the tragedy.

Lessons of Second Chances and Compassion

• Teaching Through Example

  • Bo’s journey is used to teach children about acceptance, kindness, and not judging others.
  • “Second chances are so important. Adults get to learn. Second chances are so important, especially for dogs.” – Fay Okert (06:32)

• Broadening the Mission

  • They now regularly visit schools and have expanded outreach to nursing homes, including on Christmas Day, to offer comfort to the elderly.

What Sets Therapy Dogs Apart

• Therapy vs. Service Dogs ([16:29] – [17:54])
  • Dr. Ganzert distinguishes between therapy and service dogs:
    • Service dogs assist one person with specific needs; therapy dogs, like Bo, impact whole communities, providing universal comfort.
  • “Therapy dogs such as Sergeant Bo, they work for everyone else where they just give unconditionally to all groups and show the healing power of the human-animal bond.” – Dr. Robin Ganzert (17:12)

Continuing the Mission & Future Plans

• In Progress: Children’s Book

  • Fay is working on a book sharing Bo’s lessons for kids: empathy, second chances, and not judging by looks.

• Bo’s “Superpower”

  • The special gift is “the gift of comfort.” Bo intuitively senses who needs him, when, and in what way.
    • “He reads a room…if you’re sad, he’s going to lay down with you...he knows what people need, and it’s a great gift.” – Fay Okert (18:22)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On First Impressions:

  • “This is an ugly dog. I am not taking him. But people are going to make fun of me.” – Fay Okert, reflecting on her initial reaction (05:04)
  • “Look at what I would have lost.” – Fay Okert, on giving second chances (06:15)

• On Trauma Response:

  • “You get on the bus and you could just feel the tension… and it changed when he got on there.” – Fay Okert (09:20)
  • “We stayed until the very last person left the church.” – Fay Okert (11:37)
  • “It was a job for us. It didn’t know anybody. …Now, they’re family, and we’ve become part of their family.” – Fay Okert (12:49)

• On the Human-Animal Bond:

  • “All dogs…just shows…what a stray mutt…can be the best therapy dogs around.” – Fay Okert (16:11)
  • “It’s not always about the haircut or the looks. …It’s also about this power we have, this connection we have with animals in our lives.” – Dr. Robin Ganzert (14:16)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Origins & Paws and Stripes Program: 01:39–02:40
• Fay’s Police Career & School Resource Work: 03:28–04:34
• First Meeting with Bo & Lessons on Second Chances: 04:56–06:44
• Bo’s Breed & Heart: 07:10–07:31
• Covenant School Shooting Response: 08:57–13:49
• Therapy vs. Service Dogs Explained: 16:29–17:54
• Bo’s Superpower – The Gift of Comfort: 18:20–18:50

Conclusion

This episode delivers a poignant portrait of resilience, hope, and healing through the story of a once-unwanted stray transformed into a community’s guardian angel. Not only is Sgt. Bo a testament to the immense potential of shelter dogs, but his story with Fay Okert exemplifies how kindness and the human-animal bond can change, and even save, lives.