When you think of police dogs, you may picture K-9’s searching for drugs and explosives, locating missing people or finding crime scene evidence. But dogs are also playing a vital role in the mental health of law enforcement officers. Great Dane, Tonka and his pals Happy & Asher are proud members of the APD Pet Therapy Team. They provide comfort and support to law enforcement involved in high-stress events.
A few specially trained therapy dogs started making the rounds during the pandemic and now 18 dogs and 11 volunteers are part of this program. Tonka’s owner, Courtney Leigh, leads the team. She says, “Actively petting a dog lowers your blood pressure. When we walk into an office, you can actually see their shoulders drop and relax. It’s a really wonderful diversion.”
Not all canines are cut out for crisis response. They must complete very specialized course work. But once dogs are ready to provide “ therapy” they are a welcomed sight at the substations and other places they serve first responders. Leigh says It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the big difference the therapy dogs have made in a short amount of time. “I’m lucky enough to have great dogs and I want to be able to share them with wonderful people. How amazing to have these heroes thank us for our work!”
Courtney Leigh/ Tonka, Marcia Cades/Asher,
Abril Tercero/Happy
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