Ventura City Fire has a therapy dog, Hope, to help firefighters work through the emotional stress of their jobs. Hope's handler, EMS Coordinator Heather Ellis, and trainer, VIP Dog Team Owner Nancy Mitchell join the show to talk all about Hope and lift the curtain on what it takes to be a therapy dog for firefighters.
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Heather Ellis, Ventura Fire Department
Guest: Nancy Mitchell, VIP Dog Teams
Link: Learn More About Hope and Support Her Training
Link: Sponsor the Firefighters' Ball
Link: Hope's Fire Safety Video
Link: Help raise a therapy puppy!
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The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.
All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.
