Warden's Watch

After more than 30 years on the job, Corporal Susan Swem was contemplating retirement from the Missouri Department of Conservation – and then came the chance to join the state’s newly formed Canine Protection Unit. Since then, she and K9 Astro have assisted on multiple investigations, done significant public outreach, and saved countless staff-hours tracking, recovering evidence, and protecting the wildlife of Southwest Missouri.  Our Sponsors:  Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: Joined the newly formed Canine Protection Unit two years ago Missouri program is adding four more handlers K9 program has been beneficial in multiple ways Job changes with the seasons Changing areas or specialties can create a completely new challenge Considered retirement before joining the K9 unit Being a K9 handle