From the Marine Corps to Canine Officer: Mark Tappan’s Journey of Faith, Bravery, and the Extraordinary Bond with his K9 partner Mattis

THE ONES WHO DARED

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Mark Tappan, a former Marine turned canine police officer, and his retired police dog, Mattis. Mark's story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, bravery, and the unique bond between man and dog. Their journey showcases the highs and lows of their time together in law enforcement, culminating in over 200 arrests, the seizure of more than $2 million in cash, and other high-stakes pursuits.
Mark's journey began as a college student with aspirations of becoming a game show host. However, his life took a turn when he joined the Marine Corps. It was during his time in the Marines that Mark found his faith and sense of purpose. This newfound faith guided him through a decade-long stint as a youth pastor before he finally ventured into law enforcement. Mark candidly shares the challenges of the job, and the crucial role Mattis played in helping him manage these burdens.
Mattis, now a retired police dog, is no ordinary canine. His bravery and dedication earned him a Purple Heart and a spot on the show "America's Top Dog." Mark recounts the rigorous process of selecting and training police dogs, highlighting why Mattis became the perfect partner despite initial reservations about his size. The bond between Mark and Mattis is one of a kind.
Mark discusses how his faith provides him with peace amidst these challenges and how he strives to be a reflection of compassion and integrity in his role. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining compassion and perspective, likening it to Jesus' compassion for humanity.
He uses his canine unit to build bridges between law enforcement and the public through social media with over 5 million dedicated followers. The children's book and other outreach efforts are part of a broader mission to foster understanding and trust within the community.
Don't miss this compelling episode that celebrates the incredible journey of Mark Tappan and his heroic dog, Mattis. Their story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human-animal bond, and the valuable lesson we can learn together.
Links to Mark Tappan:
Mark's book: A Dog Named Mattis https://amzn.to/3z9NqbK

https://www.instagram.com/adps_k9_mattis

https://www.tiktok.com/@k9_mattis

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF_sEq26C_zd06q038eCGLw
3 Books recommended by Mark:
What the Dog Knows by Cat Warren: https://amzn.to/3XuGBLR
If poem by Rudyard Kipling https://amzn.to/3XuGTlV
The Bible: https://amzn.to/4eohlxb
-Links-
https://www.svetkapopov.com/
https://www.instagram.com/svetka_popov/

Chapters

1. A Dog Named Mattis (00:00:00)

2. Becoming a Canine Officer (00:07:04)

3. The Amazing Story of Mattis' Sacrifice (00:13:28)

4. Building Bridges With Canine Officer (00:25:09)

5. The Impact of a Canine Officer (00:31:26)

6. Compassion, Courage, and Communication (00:39:49)

7. Embracing Differences for Success (00:49:16)