The Significance of Urk

Dan is the President of Family Animal Pet Services Inc and brings with him a rich experience working with animals. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Physiology from UC San Diego and a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from National University. He has owned pets all of his life and understands the deep bond which can develop between pets and their owners.

Prior to becoming the owner of of this business, Dan had a 16 year career in law enforcement with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. He worked a variety of positions during his career there which included being a canine handler and ultimately the head canine trainer for the entire department. Dan worked with two canines, Urk and Hunter, while he was with the department.

Sadly, in the early morning hours of January 18th 2003 , Dan, Urk and an explorer ride along (Brenton Tracy) were ambushed by a suspect with a shotgun in the City of Vista. During that encounter, Urk was shot by the suspect and unfortunately became the second canine to be killed in the line of duty in the department’s history. On March 31st, 2009 Urk’s name was added to the California Fallen Police K-9 Memorial located at UC Davis, which happens to be one of the premier veterinary training schools in the United States. The memorial is called The Faithful Partner and stands proudly in a courtyard surrounded veterinary training classrooms at UC Davis.

Dan understands the deep sense of loss which is felt at the passing of a cherished family pet. Although Dan was forced to leave his law enforcement career due to a work related injury, he finds satisfaction knowing that he can assist others who find themselves faced with the same sense of loss. Dan has raised the bar in the pet aftercare industry by forming a company which is trustworthy, credible, and dedicated to honoring the pets of each and every client he serves.