From Homeless to Hero: Sgt. Bo’s Story Comes to the Page
He was a scruffy stray with bad skin allergies, wandering a Florida beach with nobody coming for him — and three years later he was standing on a national stage as America’s 2025 Hero Dog. This week, retired Metro Nashville police officer Faye Okert returns to Working Like Dogs to talk with Marcie and Fenway about Sgt. Bo: From Homeless to Hero, the new children’s book that puts her partner’s extraordinary journey right into the hands of young readers. Faye tells us why she wants every child to close that last page believing they can do absolutely anything, and how one rescued mutt manages to teach the very lessons she spent seventeen years as a school resource officer trying to get across: everybody deserves a second chance, you can never judge anyone by how they look, and kindness is always a choice you get to make. She also shares the story behind the companion coloring book — because some kids do their best thinking with a crayon in hand. Grab the little ones for this one. Sgt. Bo has something to tell them!
Listen to Episode #213 Now:
BIO:
Faye Okert is a retired police officer with 34 years of dedicated service to her community. Eighteen of those years were spent serving as a School Resource Officer, where she built lasting relationships with students and worked to create safe, supportive environments for children and families.
During the final years of her career, Faye partnered with her therapy K9, Sgt Bo, forming a remarkable team focused on compassion, connection, and emotional support. Sgt Bo's story is one of resilience and second chances. Once a homeless and unwanted stray, Bo found a new purpose alongside Faye, becoming a source of comfort and inspiration to countless children and community members.
Together, Faye and Sgt Bo share a message centered on kindness, hope, and the life-changing bond between people and animals. Through school visits, community events, and outreach programs, they encourage children to believe in themselves, overcome challenges, and treat others with compassion and respect.
Faye is passionate about continuing their mission and welcomes opportunities to connect with schools, organizations, and community groups interested in learning more about their work and the impact therapy dogs can have in changing lives.