The newest officer joining the K.V. police is an energetic addition who can barely stay still.
Rosa, a four-month-old chocolate Labrador retriever, has been donated to the force as an assisted-therapy dog to help officers cope with the trauma they face on the job.
Corporals Aaron Haines and Lindsey Mott are Rosa’s handlers.
.@rosakrpfk9 Meet Rosa, an assisted therapy dog in training with her handlers Cpl. Aaron Haines and Cpl. Lindsey Mott-Haines. pic.twitter.com/bkjt2QvgNp
— Tamara Steele (she/her) 🇨🇦 (@tamarasteele1) May 21, 2019
Bev Wells of Canine Therapy for First Responders says she sees a great deal of potential in Rosa.
Rosa’s training will involve learning how to interact with humans properly and becoming comfortable around people in public spaces.
“Her training will be a good year and a half before she can even be considered for certification.”
Wells says she’s excited for Rosa calling it the “most amazing thing ever”.
“I know how much a dog affects a human’s emotional state just having one around. For the officers who do so much for us, it’s very least we can do for them to give back.”
https://twitter.com/tamarasteele1/status/1130864111267532802
Rosa made her debut at a news conference on Tuesday and Senior K.V. Police Chaplain Peter Gillies offered a blessing for her as the newest addition to the force.
K.V. Police Chief Wayne Gallant was able to see in person how a therapy dog program works.
“Just by pure coincidence, I happened to attend a conference where the Franklin County Sherriff’s Department was putting on a session with their therapy dog. I got to meet with their handlers.”
Gallant says this is different for policing than your traditional police dog in having one in the station just to provide comfort after a tough day on the job.
“Which actually happened last week, we had a difficult call and Rosa was here and people just reacted positively to her presence. She is already having a great impact.” Chief Gallant said.
K.V. Police Chief Wayne Gallant says Rosa already helped the officers with a tough call last week. pic.twitter.com/C56VFhunXp
— Tamara Steele (she/her) 🇨🇦 (@tamarasteele1) May 21, 2019
