Our Emergency Responder & Crisis Response Therapy Dog Program
Our therapy dog teams are experienced and qualified to support emergency responders and assist crisis response situations. We prioritize the mental health needs of the brave individuals who courageously respond to crises to aid their communities. Visits are arranged upon request by the agency, for on-duty personnel, either regularly or in response to particularly challenging circumstances. We extend our services to law enforcement, EMR/EMS, fire departments, military and other emergency responder agencies at no cost.
In addition to the specialized training our therapy dogs undergo for their visits, our handlers actively engage in training and continuing education courses such as: animal welfare; canine behavior and communication; crisis intervention training; mental health first aid; ethics in animal assisted therapy; disaster response and preparedness; critical incident stress management; and community resilience building.
We have an outreach program to promote awareness about the role of therapy dogs in supporting emergency responders and crisis situations to law enforcement, military and emergency responder agencies in Central Minnesota. Our teams are available to visit and deliver informative presentations emphasizing the benefits of therapy dogs in high-stress occupations.
K9 Baruch
Emergency Responder Therapy Dog - Certified
Baruch is a Swedish Vallhund, born in 2021. From the very first, Baruch seemed to have a natural instinct in working with humans. Naturally presenting himself to people in a way that is engaging and warm, Baruch quickly established himself as a Therapy Dog, originally registered with Alliance Therapy Dogs, he is now a certified Emergency Responder Therapy Dog!
K9 Levia
Emergency Responder Therapy Dog - Certified
Levia, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, spent ten years as a Search and Rescue responder. With retirement, Levia’s time was spent helping her human partner, Sharolyn, with her puppy training classes. Knowing how Levia loves the opportunity to meet new people, and engage with them, Sharolyn made the decision to certify her as an Emergency Responder Therapy Dog!
K9 Cali
Emergency Responder Therapy Dog - Certified
K9 Cali is a compassionate and gentle therapy dog, who provides comfort and support to those in need. With a friendly demeanor and a heart full of empathy, Cali brings joy and solace to individuals in need. In addition to volunteering as an emergency responder and crisis response therapy dog, as well as a SAR dog, she also assists her handler Natalie occasionally in her mental health private practice as a therapy dog.
K9 Quill
Emergency Responder Therapy Dog - Certified
K9 Quill is a young German Shepherd with an old soul who lives for when he gets to visit and meet new people! He fully certified just after his first birthday and is loving his current career with handler Cassie!
