The Wildlife Docs Season 1 Episode 8 Dogs Best Friend

The Wildlife Docs season 1 episode 8, titled "Dogs Best Friend," follows the team of veterinary experts at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as they examine the unique bond between dogs and humans. In this episode, viewers get an inside look at the many ways dogs assist their owners, including as service animals and protective companions.

The episode features a close examination of the relationship between one very special dog, a German Shepherd named Koda, and his owner, a woman with a rare genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Koda has been trained to assist his owner with everyday tasks, such as opening doors and retrieving items, and also helps her during medical emergencies by alerting others if she is in danger.

In addition to Koda's story, the episode also features a segment on the work of a group of dogs trained to sniff out invasive species. These dogs can detect the presence of foreign species, such as pythons in the Florida Everglades, and are critical to ongoing conservation efforts in the region.

The Wildlife Docs team also examines the benefits of having dogs in the workplace. At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, several dogs are employed to help keep the park's other animals in line. These canine coworkers are trained to herd and protect the park's flock of flamingos, and also serve as a deterrent to potential predators.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to behind-the-scenes access to the daily work of the Wildlife Docs, including their efforts to care for injured animals and rehabilitate them for release back into the wild. From caring for a recently rescued bald eagle to evaluating the health of a colony of penguins, each day is full of unique and challenging situations for the team of experts at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

"Dogs Best Friend" is a heartwarming and informative look at the many roles dogs play in our lives, and the important work of the dedicated veterinary professionals who care for them. Whether you're a lifelong dog lover or simply interested in the science of animal care, this episode is sure to leave you with a new appreciation for man's best friend.