The St. Cloud Police Department has officially launched a new therapy dog program aimed at helping individuals facing mental health challenges. Introduced in early May, the program features two trained and certified yellow Labrador retrievers: River and Laker.
According to a department news release, Laker, a 2-year-old, is paired with Officer Janelle Haas and will primarily serve the ISD 742 school district, offering emotional support to both students and staff, and assisting in de-escalating tense situations. The school district played a key role in funding Laker’s placement.
Meanwhile, River, a 3-year-old, will be working alongside Officer John Swing in the department’s mental health response unit, providing comfort during crisis interventions. River’s acquisition and training were made possible by support from the Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation.
Both dogs were sourced from Whispering Pines Labs in Milaca, Minnesota.
The initiative reflects a growing trend in law enforcement to incorporate canine-assisted therapy as a tool for building trust and offering support in moments of distress.
Related topics:
- Chennai to Launch Major Stray Dog Sterilisation Campaign After 5-Year Gap
- Puppy Makes Miraculous Recovery After Rare Tetanus Battle
- Doberman Saved After Ball Gets Stuck in Throat in Aberdeenshire
