Ep 73: The Reality of Being a K9 Handler, Cop & Single Mom

The Badge Doesn’t Make You Bulletproof

In this episode of Beyond The Barrel, we sit down with Robyn a Maine police officer, K9 handler, single mom, and someone who refuses to stop growing when life gets difficult.

Robyn has served in law enforcement since 2011, following a path shaped by a family rooted in police and military service, along with her own experience in firefighting and EMS. Today, one of the most rewarding parts of her career is working alongside her K9 partner, Jax, a Belgian Malinois, and constantly pushing herself to become a better handler.

But this conversation goes far beyond the badge.

Robyn opens up about navigating major life changes, becoming a single mom, rebuilding her life, and finding strength through fitness, personal development, and purpose. We talk K9s, motherhood, resilience, getting outside your comfort zone, and what it really looks like to keep moving forward when life doesn’t go according to plan.

No scripts. No agendas. Just an authentic conversation about service, struggle, growth, and becoming the best version of yourself.

Timestamps: 

3:08 — K9 Memorial

7:13 — K9 Journey

12:27 — Robyn’s Story

21:47 — Police Career

29:44 — Fitness & Sobriety