The Human-Animal-Bond Presented by Canine Counselor, Frank Shane
of K-9 Disaster Relief
Special Program Presentation at the Tribute WTC Visitor Center
The Human-Animal-Bond
Frank Shane is a recognized expert in dog psychology and the socialization of canines with their human companions. He is director of K-9 Disaster Relief, a humanitarian foundation and training Academy. Frank, along with his canine partner “Chance,” did a special presentation on February 12, 2012 at the Tribute WTC Visitor Center in New York City. The one hour program offered personal stories about “Nikie,” the golden retriever who worked with him on Ground Zero for eight months. It featured photos and documentary footage of how the human-animal-bond helped the workers, volunteers and families cope in the aftermath of 9/11. A canine counselor and founder of the Canine Psychology Campus in New York State, Frank demonstrated his training techniques with Chance, an English Crème Retriever who just became certified as a Disaster Relief Canine. Chance was bred and born in Texas at Majestic Crème Retrievers. The breeder, Thalia Porter, provided the initial human-animal-bond environment at her breeding facilities in Gainesville.
The demonstration with Chance offered those attending a first-hand observation to better 
understand that dog psychology and sociology is the cornerstone for a healthy and stable relationship. Frank emphasized that “training” is the wrong term and can be construed as harsh discipline rather than establishing a harmonious relationship . . . similar to a mom providing confident leadership to her pups. The program Frank does across the country focuses on the special bond and unspoken relationship that exists between humans and animals. In his seminars and radio program, “The Talk of Animals” on the Animal Bond Radio Network, he says that it is the human who usually requires training. “Dogs need to be understood as dogs, you can’t change their DNA. “ He uses the term “shaping” instead of training. “Tap into their personality, develop their confidence and give them lots of praise.” As pups, he says, “It is the calm confident leadership of the mom that shapes their behavior.” Frank and Nikie are featured in many books, including “HERO DOGS: Courageous Canines in Action,” and “9/11: Stories of Courage, Heroism and Generosity.” He has appeared on most national radio and television/cable programs, including two episodes of Animal Planet.
The Program was recorded and will be on an upcoming episode for Animal Bond Radio and “The Talk of Animals”
The presentation at the Tribute WTC Visitor Center included his personal experiences from the books and documentaries. The Tribute Center offers visitors to the World Trade Center site a place where they can connect with people from the September 11th community. Visit their website at www.tributewtc.org.
For information about Frank Shane, personal appearances, lectures and workshops, the Human-Animal-Bond or Canine Disaster Relief Services email: info@k-9disasterrelief.org or their website: www.K-9DisasterRelief.org
Frank Shane is founder of K-9 Disaster Relief, a non-profit humanitarian foundation. He is a board certified trauma responder, canine counselor and Diplomat and Fellow of the Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Following his work on World Trade Center, Ground Zero, he published “CANINES IN CRISIS: Mitigating Traumatic Stress through Canine Crisis Intervention.” Books and news media include: “9/11: Stories of Courage, Heroism and Generosity,” “HERO DOGSs: Courage Canines in Action and The Wall Street Journal “Dog Therapy at Ground Zero”. Frank’s most recent appearance was on Animal Planet for the documentary “Hero Dogs of 9/11.” For Animal Bond Radio, he produces and hosts “The Talk of Animals,” a weekly talk program on the Human-Animal-Bond.
Frank is an instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and curriculum director for the K-9 Disaster Relief Academy and Canine Psychology Campus in upstate New York. He lectures and teaches courses in Canine Disaster Relief Services, the Human-Animal-Bond and the Psychology and Behavior of Dogs. As a professional canine counselor, Frank does personal training using his techniques of harmony and balance which promotes a special human-animal relationship.
A pioneer in the field of the utilization of canines for disaster crisis intervention, he and his canine partner Nikie were the only credentialed team to work on World Trade Center – Ground Zero for 
eight months. They provided canine crisis intervention to workers, volunteers and victim families. Through the foundation’s “K-9 for Kids” outreach program, K-9 Disaster Relief visited over 4,000 school children in all five boroughs of New York City. The program has now been expanded throughout the United States.
In 2001, Governor Pataki recognized K-9 Disaster Relief, Frank and Nikie for their relentless work both on Ground Zero and the crash of American Airlines Flight 587. In the Executive Chamber, the Governor made a special presentation during which he said,
“K-9 Disaster Relief, Frank Shane and Nikie have positively assisted New York City firefighters, police officers, World Trade Center victims’ families, passenger relatives and children affected by the tragic events of September 11th and Flight 587 – Nikie is truly proving to be a “man’s best friend.”
Nikie’s legacy will forever be protected and preserved. His service vests, boots, credentials, photos, mementoes and other artifacts are in the permanent collection of The National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center. Through the donation and acquisition of these items, the curators and acquisition developers hope that displaying these objects will recognize and pay tribute to all the dogs that risked their lives to save others, and the canine compassionate care unconditionally given in our darkest hours.
Their work has been featured on NBC Nightly News, Fox News Live, CBS, ABC, CNN, PBS, NPR’s “All Things Considered,” National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Time and Newsweek.
Frank Shane was the first consultant and canine therapy services provider to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Department of Homeland Security’s outreach program for children – “Project Recovery.” Nationally, he collaborates with government and non-government agencies and disaster relief service providers. In his most recent appearance on Animal Planet, Frank summed up his humanitarian work:
“There’s a special spot, I believe, in everyone that an animal transports you back to a child,” He said, “In a disaster where a victims whole world has turned upside down and your trust is wiped out, here comes a loving and trusting dog that brings you back to a time where you feel safe and secure.”
After his work was completed on Ground Zero, Nikie and Frank continued in disaster relief servicesall over the country. Nikie passed away in 2004. His son, “Buddy,” continued his legacy until his untimely death on June 28, 2010. His new partner “Chance” is a creme retriever who just completed his training. Talking about his acclaimed training methods he said,
“Training is easy! All dogs are good dogs . . . all they want is a confident human leader who provides trust, security and unconditional love.”