Therapy dog visits Timmins Police Service to spread some cheer
Many believe a sweet, cuddly dog has the power to turn just about anyone's day around.
Take ' Takoda' for example – he's one of the many canines participating in the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program and he's on a special assignment at the Timmins Police Service, one of many community partners.
“Right now we visit every day of the week except Friday. We do all the nursing homes except Extendicare," said Wendy Lemieux, coordinator the program for the Timmins area.
Police officials said the timing of the visit is perfect as 'Police Week' is wrapping up.
- Download the CTV News app now and get local alerts on your device
- Get local breaking news and updates sent to your email inbox
“It does allow for this group to interact with the Timmins Police Service and it allows for our officers to take a brief respite out of their busy days to socialize with an animal," said Marc Depatie, the police service's communications coordinator.
"There’s no downside that we can see and it does go very well with our mental health initiatives and strategies."
Lemieux said the Therapy Dog Program is just getting back on its feet following the last few years of pandemic restrictions and handlers said they're looking forward to visiting more organizations.
“When you walk into a facility and you go by someone’s room, they may not be able to speak to you, but when they see the dog, they just light up and motion c’mon in and we have a visit and we go to the next room," said Shelley Deslauriers, one of the therapy dog handler.
"It’s just a really good feeling seeing them happy and then they talk about it for hours."
Takoda made sure no one was left without a lick at the police station.
“It’s nice to have something positive and I don’t have a dog at home so it’s nice to be able to share a little bit of cuddle time and a bit of dog time here," said Constable Caroline Rouillard.
Lemieux said to contact the St. John Ambulance office to reserve time with one of the therapy dogs; or if you think you've got a calm and caring canine that would make a good therapy dog.
Officials with the organization want the public to keep in mind there is a waiting list.
For more information on St. John Ambulance programs in the Timmins area, visit their Facebook page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.