Sault police deploys plush canine unit
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is deploying a new type of canine unit to help comfort children who might be dealing with a stressful situation.
The Sault Police Services Board has teamed up with PUC Services Inc. to purchase plush canines. The toys are modelled after real members of the Sault police canine unit – Hektor, Red and Ben.
“Obviously, police go to a lot of traumatic calls, and sometimes, unfortunately, youth are involved, specifically young children,” said police spokesman Lincoln Louttit.
“If this is something we can give them to help heal and help them recover, then I think it’s a positive thing we can do for the community.”
“One of our guiding pillars that we have is when it comes to approving donation requests is healthy, safe and active lifestyles for children,” said PUC Services spokesman Jairus Patterson.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
“We know these dogs are given to children who at times are probably dealing with a pretty traumatic situation. So, if they can just hold it and feel a little bit safer in that situation, why would we not do it?”
Police said studies have shown stuffed animals can help kids cope with trauma, stress, fear and physical pain by providing emotional and physical comfort.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
'More aggressive': Tocchet shifts lineups as Canucks get ready to take on Oilers in Vancouver
As the Canucks prepare to take on the Oilers for Game 5, Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet is making changes to the team's lineup.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.