August 4, 2023 By Chris Foy FRP-23 Pups Henry PomchesterHe may be a small dog, but Henry has “a big heart.” Here’s why: • He visits schools to provide support during mental wellness and suicide prevention programs • He has met “well over 100,000 students since 2016 during these programs” • After the death of a student, Henry was a first responder and comforting presence to friends and familyScout (of Thin Blue Line)• has been a therapy dog for eight years, during which time she has met with over 8000 officers and 10,000 civilians • was the first therapy dog to serve the L.A. Police Department, where she was assigned to the Juvenile Division, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces and supported investigators from the LAPD, FBI, and Homeland Security on child pornography cases • is a member of the therapy dog organization Blue Line Dogs LA and has been featured on the news as a “L.A. Honda Helpful Hero of the Week”Goose• Got his name from the movie “Top Gun” and is meant to be “a copilot in stressful situations” • Is training with Dog Training Elite to serve the Savannah Police Department and the community • Responds to behavioral health calls with his handler and participates in critical incident debriefings, school events, classroom meetings, department engagements, SWAT Training, and community events • Started this work at the age of just 8 weeksMaddi-Mae• after being rescued from a high-kill shelter in rural TX, by Northstar Pet Rescue & received her therapy dog certification through Creature Comfort Pet Therapy in NJ • alongside her adoptive mom, who works in paramedicine in nursing, is a member of Every Coast Helicopter Operations’ (ECHO) peer support team, also known as FAST (Flight Crew Assistance and Support Team)—the only nationally deployable peer-to-peer support team dedicated to public safety aviation • helps foster dogs overcome past traumas so they can acclimate to their new familiesPete“Therapy dog Pete,” as his handler affectionately calls him, serves the roughly 1,500 members of the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland. Some other cool tidbits about Pete: • He responded to the January 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol where Officer Brian Sicknick and Capitol Police Officer William Evans were killed • In addition to responding to critical incidents, he visits officers daily and provides “routine check-ins” • He and his handler work with other jurisdictions to train and facilitate therapy dog programs • Is a French BrittanyJanie• Is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and certified law enforcement therapy dog with over 200 deployments in two Florida counties • Holds multiple titles through the American Kennel Club for her service, including Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine, Urban Canine, and Therapy Dog Excellent • Supports personnel and their families after critical incidents • Assists traumatized victims, especially children in child abuse cases (whether in forensic interviews, at the hospital, or in the courtroom)Lexi Blue• is a two-year-old comfort dog at the Lenexa, Kansas Police Department • comforts crime victims during police interviews, such as when victims of human trafficking were interviewed by detectives • provides therapeutic services to the community and members of the police department after traumatic events like a recent officer-involved shooting • accompanies School Resource Officers to local schools to provide support after traumatic eventsLuna• Therapy dog for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Wellness Unit • First dog to be donated to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s department • Named after fallen FDNY Firefighter Billy Moon • Has been featured in numerous local news reports for her impactful workBusterA diagnosis of hip dysplasia kept him from being officially certified for service dog work, but “Buster did not let his career change get him down.” In fact, he: • proudly serves the Jacksonville (FL) Sheriff’s Office and its 3000 sworn members of law enforcement and several thousand civilian workers • sits with officers who experience difficult calls and victims during emotionally fraught interviews • made such a positive difference at the Sheriff’s Office that now, thanks to Buster, they’ve acquired a second therapy dog DunkinJessie• Is the first therapy dog to serve emergency dispatchers at the 911 Call Center in Ingham County, Michigan • Provided comfort to dispatchers on February 13, 2023, when a mass shooting occurred at Michigan State University, claiming the lives of three students and injuring five others • Was the subject of a local NBC news story • Received her training from K9s for Warriors, an organization that trains rescues to become therapy dogsMajor Troy• is the station dog, peer support dog, and community dog for the Miami Shores Police Department • resides at the Police Department, is on hand to support those who need it, and goes home with various agency staff on weekends • visits local schools and the library, where kids have an opportunity to “Read to Troy”Sgt. Bo• Went from being a stray on the streets of Florida to serving the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department as a therapy dog • Was deployed in the aftermath of the shooting at The Covenant School, where he was a great comfort to students and families and now visits once weekly to provide support • Received the title of “Therapy Dog Excellent” from the American Kennel Club for over 285 visits and deployments since January 2023 and has been featured on the newsKoda• serves the Fire Department in Georgetown, TX • her duties include education, therapy, and community engagement • made viral news after she was caught on film jumping up to open the door, after the door entry system went down when she was the only one in the buildingMerrittMerritt is a Kerry Blue Terrier from Arizona with a hip braid down her nose. She: 🐾 Began the therapy dog program at the Tempe Jail, in Tempe, AZ, along with her partner Stephanie 🐾 Makes the long trek to the jail multiple times a week to “give a reason to smile” and “a bit of Sunshine” to the jail officers and dispatch call responders 🐾 Serves children with special needs and in crisis situations 🐾 Has a calm disposition but “is always willing to play fetch.”Rose• is an AKC-recognized therapy dog and Ambassador for the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, in Hernando County, Florida serving more than 600 personnel • is on duty 24/7, and during the nights and weekends provides calm to 911 dispatchers and deputies • visits local schools and attends the Law Enforcement Academy, challenging the cadets to push-up and running competitions, which she usually wins • was a service dog for a veteran before coming to the Agency through the organization K9s for WarriorsSkye• serves the Absecon, New Jersey school district, where his supportive presence helped students through the COVID epidemic (in a district that kept its schools open) and in schools with high rates of trauma • regularly visits local first responders at multiple hospitals and care facilities • is nationally certified as an official therapy dog by Pet Partners and recognized by the American Kennel Club • has been featured in more than a dozen news stories for his work and was named “Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Ambassador” of the breedRudy• provides therapy dog services to hospitals, universities, special education facilities, and members of the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept, and California Highway Patrol • administers psychological first aid to those who have experienced traumatic events and to patients with schizophrenia, dementia, autism, and other mental health issues • assists law enforcement officers with community educationRocco-We-Back-the-Blue• was rescued by a first responder family • is now a therapy dog with Canines for Christ • serves in public schools, on the streets with unsheltered people, and in Uvalde with local schools and the city • works with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and the non-profit Against All Odds Rise (AAOR), the mission of which is “to bring unity by building trust between community and police officers”Stryker• is the face of Tail Wagging Platoon, a division of the non-profit organization Alpha Bravo Canine, which raises, trains, and donates service dogs to disabled veterans • provides support to local firefighters and paramedics, as part of a partnership with the Philadelphia Fire Department and Local 22 • brings his co-workers and dog friends to a different fire station each week • likes to greet every single person in the fire station and show them he is there for themLincoln• has been deployed locally and nationally to support communities after traumatic events and, with his handler, trains other Crisis K9 dogs and handlers across the country • has received multiple awards for his work • can provide deep pressure therapy (DPT) or tactile distraction on cue or instinct when helping individuals through stressful situationsJoshuaJoshua hails from Rochester, New York. He • is not just one hot dog—he’s the founding dog of RocDog, created in March 2021 to support first responders and their communities • gets around: Has made over 1100 visits in just over two years • works with law enforcement, courts, probation, and the 911 call center • visits hospitals, senior homes, the library, and other community eventsMadison• Loves visiting frontline workers at area hospitals in central Florida • Was rescued at the age of 3 and is a self-appointed guide dog for her fur sibling Rocky, who is sight-impaired • Can sense when someone is having a difficult day and will place her head on their knee or linger longer with them until they’ve relaxed • Is a certified therapy dog through GRRMF Hearts of GoldGracie• is a therapy dog specializing in anxiety, as well as a Blue Line Dogs LA team member and Howling Heroes LAFC Top 5 Finalist (in addition to holding other certifications) • started out as a seeing eye dog but after completing dog training for anxiety, has been providing support to first responder clients at a law firm in southern California—when Gracie is there, they’re better able to open up about their needsPolar• Is an emotional support therapy dog serving the West Richland Police Department and the greater community of West Richland • Was trained by Service Peace Warriors, an organization that trains service dogs for veterans with PTSD and related disabilities • Eases tensions at department trainings and meetings and at one training played the role of the hostage victim • Has become an “irreplaceable” positive presence in the workplaceSparkie• has “met, loved, and comforted thousands of first responders” in just two years of therapy work with her handler, a firefighter • has made over 200 visits since she was certified as a therapy dog—to Police, Fire, Dispatch, EMS and Medflight locations all over the state of Massachusetts • is an Australian Labradoodle, known for her goofy approach and engaging personality • has been featured in the news for her workMagic• as a Paws as Loving Support Assistance dog, provides social, therapy, reading, comfort, crisis, and peer support (in the last case to first responders and dispatchers) • was deployed during the Sonoma County wildfires to support responding fire fighters • both the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Rosa Police Department presented him with his own agency-issued civilian ID card to wear while visiting each site or critical incident stress debriefing (CISD)Benny• Has “an angelic presence” • Recently joined the Hearts of Gold therapy dog program for Golden Retriever rescues • Provides support to hospital families and staff • Belongs to a longtime veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Reserves who says, “if it weren’t for Benny, I would not be here.”Rusty• Comforts and provides canine-assisted therapy to patients in hospitals and a hospice center every week • Has been featured by the local news for his work • Is a member of Dogs with a Purpose, based in Cary, NCWillow• as a therapy dog at Ben Franklin Jr. High School, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, has helped calm and de-escalate many crisis situations with students and supports staff • is also a hit in the community, paying visits to festivals and the Aging and Disability Resource Center • was a recipient of the American Kennel Club S.T.A.R.Bailey• Is a service dog for a veteran with PTSD and a rescue dog • Provides deep pressure therapy when her owner has panic attacks, removes her owner from stressful situations, and won’t let her owner self-isolate for more than two days • Was acquired through the organization Working Dogs for VetsMya• after helping her owner recover from extensive back surgery, became a certified therapy dog • she and her handler (and owner) visit hospitals, hospices, and assisted living facilities, and volunteer in kids’ reading programsBella• was selected to be North Dakota’s first comfort dog and did such a good job that she inspired a second therapy dog to come work with her • visits elementary schools with her handler, a School Resource Officer for the West Fargo Police Department, in West Fargo, North Dakota • is a member of the police department’s PEER Assistance Team and responds to and comforts officers after critical incidents • helped her handler attain recognition as “Officer of the Year” for his work in starting the first comfort dog programMugsy• Serves the Massachusetts Department of Correction as a comfort dog for staff and is trained to identify and support those in distress • Is dispatched after critical incidents to support staff who may have been impacted • Has helped, alongside his handler, to equip 15 other State Correctional Agencies and several Sheriffs Offices to have their own comfort dog programs • Has earned multiple certifications and accreditations for his workLuca• has been a certified therapy dog for over four years • works with severely disabled children and adults with developmental disabilities for the organizations Buddy Break and United Cerebral Palsy • has earned multiple American Kennel Club titles for excellence as a therapy and companion dog and canine “good citizen,” among still other titlesAnna• is a therapeutic presence for the residents and staff at Westchester County D.O.C in NY • makes weekly visits to the jail to support incarcerated mothers and fathers, through the Parenting, Prison, & Pups program, which administers a parenting curriculum in conjunction with emotional support from therapy dogs • was rescued and adopted as a puppy, after being abandoned in a sewer with her brothers and sisters, but went on to earn her certification as a therapy dog at the age of 3 • visits area schools and is a source of support to future criminal justice professionalsLuna• is the official therapy dog for the Kearney Police Department and Buffalo County Sheriff's Office in the state of Nebraska • holds a “Therapy Dog Advanced” title, has been featured on the news, and was certified through Healing Hearts Therapy Dogs, in Crete, Nebraska • in the past two years has logged over 100 visits to the Police Department, Sheriff’s Office and 911 dispatch center alone, not to mention other community eventsCupidMeet six-year-old Cupid from Alaska. She • responds to 911 calls with her handler, a volunteer first responder • is the first municipality-endorsed Chaplain K9 in the U.S. • “responded to a three-million acre wildfire last summer after a very public helicopter crash” • Has traveled the state and nationwide to help in critical incidents • Has multiple certifications in canine crisis response • Has been featured on local television for her workMaxNope, he’s not just another pretty face. Max has earned those stars on his “Hero” vest. He: •Was deployed as the therapy dog at Ocean City Fire Department after the tragic suicide of a local paramedic •Is a member of the PEER Support team that provides a comforting presence after traumatic calls and supports firefighters, paramedics, fire marshals, beach patrol, and police officers •Travels to local schools and daycares to help teach kids about fire prevention •“Is an essential and cherished part of the department” who “has helped address and prevent mental health issues”K9-HudsonAt just 17 months old, this Goldendoodle from Cayce, SC, knows how to wear a bowtie and turn on the Southern charm. He also: • Is “the most unique therapy dog in South Carolina” • is the first-ever therapy dog at the Cayce Police Department and works full-time in a school in Lexington 2 School District—"no other law enforcement jurisdiction has a therapy K9 specifically assigned to work inside our schools each and every day” • has assisted victims of crimes, helped children get through the school day, and supported other agencies in line of duty deaths • visits patients at Lexington Medical CenterRetta• was adopted on New Year’s Day in 2022 after being dumped on the streets of Austin • passed her therapy dog evaluation in July 2022 and now visits two hospitals, a library, a memory care facility, and numerous other facilities • is registered as a therapy dog with Therapy Animals of San Antonio • is “rather unusual” for a Chihuahua: She’s “very calm,” “likes people of all ages,” and loves to curl up in patients’ laps or on their bed • is only 8.5 pounds but “has a big influence for good”Willow Brook• provides therapy dog services to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and other agencies throughout Los Angeles County, including the L.A. Police Department and L.A. City and County Fire Departments • at just 5.5 lbs, is Blue Line Dogs/LASD’s smallest therapy dog • was rescued when she was an eight-week-old puppy infected with the life-threatening disease Canine Parvovirus • was recognized as a “Canine Good Citizen” by the American Kennel ClubDeuce• Has been a therapy dog since November 2013 • Primarily visits hospice patients and their families: During the transition from life to death, will often lie on the patient’s bed to bring comfort and peace and assist with goodbyes • Visits homeless shelters and a children’s hospital • Supported staff and first responders in the wake of the Oxford High School shooting in Oxford, MichiganLucky• Is an English Black Labrador Retriever and AKC-certified ER and hospital therapy dog • Serves the staff and patients at Grosse Pointe Beaumont Hospital, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan • Is an award-winning trick dog, with novice, intermediate, and advanced AKC titles • Loves doing tricks and bringing smiles and laughterSwifferBeing in the hospital stinks. Swiffer makes it better. He: • visits patients and staff at the University of Maryland Medical Center and UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center • even during the pandemic met virtually with patients and providers—three days a week, twice a day; and, by relieving stress, “most certainly saved lives,” according to a hospital administrator • especially enjoys getting his belly rubbedEliEli lives in Ontario, Canada. He also: • specializes in bringing smiles to seniors at the long-term facility that he visits weekly • was featured on the 6 o’clock news for his work providing mental and emotional support to students in final exams at York University • is a member of Canada’s St. John Ambulance Dog Therapy program, which has over 3,500 volunteer dog teamsK9 Sandy• Assists Sheriff’s Office staff, detectives in interviews of child crime victims, and the State Attorney’s office with children who have to testify in court • Was donated to the St. John’s County by K9s for Warriors • Is certified as a law enforcement therapy K9 • Makes visits in the community to schools, jails, the courthouse, and special eventsSparty• as a certified therapy dog, provides emotional support and a comforting presence at hospitals, nursing homes, and libraries in Florida • helped save the life of his handler, a retired police officer of 30 years, when his handler lost a large quantity of blood at home and required emergency care • earned the Canine Good Citizen AwardBennie• Is an official “K9 Officer” with the York City Police Department, in York, Pennsylvania • Got his name from Medal of Honor Recipient Command Sergeant Major Bennie Gene Adkins, who received the MOH for his heroism in battle during the Vietnam War • Serves in Critical Incident Stress Management debriefings and regularly visits 6-10 schools and York Hospital staff, patients, and children • Is training to be able to track and locate missing persons, especially children and the elderly • Has been featured in the newsNani• Serves the Emergency Department staff at RUSH University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois • Has had such an impact that she has received glowing testimonies from staff on the hospital’s social media accounts • Volunteers at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab • Is a certified therapy dog through Canine Therapy CorpsGouda Anne HammettIf cats have nine lives, mega-talented Gouda Anne has at least five: • as a trained police and FBI dog/K9 attack dog—fluent in French and German commands • as a survivor fending for herself after her previous owner died • as a rescue who moved from the state of Tennessee to her new home in Mississippi • as a certified seeing eye dog for her current trainer and handler • as a therapy dog in training that helps blind children learn, assists first responders at community events, is a supportive presence to those with disabilities, and performs many other volunteer services to the communityMike• began this job when 98 people died in the collapse of the Champlain Towers South building, thrusting the Surfside Police Department into handling “one of the most horrific events in their law enforcement careers” • came to the Surfside Police Department with the help of K-9 for Warriors and is now “an indispensable member” of the department • has inspired other agencies in South Florida to obtain therapy dogs
