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
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.