A new four-legged team member for Riverview Fire and Rescue has officially been introduced.
The eight-week-old yellow Labrador Retriever is part of the Canine Facility Dog program.
The canine companion is part of the Facility Dog Program provided by Canine Therapy for First Responders Atlantic (CTFFR) whose mission is to introduce a K9 Therapy program at no cost to aid in the mental health of First Responders. The organization provides a lifetime support model from procurement, to training, veterinary services, food, and support for handlers throughout their journey with the dog. This program requires no cost from first responders and is generously fully funded by the organization’s community sponsors, partnerships, private donations, and funding opportunities across Canada.
CTFFR Atlantic President Tracey Ryan says the average first responder experiences over 800 traumatic events over their career, “Our first responders do so much to keep our communities safe, the Facility Dog Program is a way that we can give back and help them through some of the challenges that come with their day-to-day jobs. We have seen the program benefit teams in Kennebecasis and Miramichi so far and look forward to providing increased support with the addition of a Canine Therapy dog in Riverview.”
(Photo: TDCB)
Ryan started the program three years ago with the help of many other volunteers, and this is their second fire dog, ” I look average, but I am someone who lives with PTSD. I am someone who couldn’t get out of her housecoat for five years. I am someone who lost her career to PTSD, and I have one Traumatic incident,” Ryan explained. “These are not pets, they are trained extensively, and they are trained to do 150 to 200 tasks. They can do a lot of things for their handlers. We now have dogs in all four provinces.”
Lieutenant Dave Murray and Firefighter Paramedic Todd Gorner will be the dog handlers.
Gorner says mental health is a common concern, “Something that is prevalent in this industry. Fire, EMS, Police, and Veterans, because of the things we see on the job and other professions, It’s hard to unsee, so it sticks in your brain. Having this program here will here with help that. People spill their feelings out to animals, whether it be verbally or emotionally.”
He has two children three and six years old, and they are ecstatic that the dog will be staying with them, “They are so excited. They love him,” Gorner adds.
(Photo: TDCB)
Murray feels it’s going to be another tool they can use in their tool chest, “It’s going to be a lot of work but it’s going to do a lot of good for a lot of people.”
Riverview Mayor Andrew Leblanc expressed his support for the program as well, “He (the puppy) may be small, but he certainly has a big mission in front of him to support our firefighters. A big pursuit for such a little pup, but he appears to be up for the challenge. ”
Three names have been chosen for the puppy, and the public has the opportunity to decide which one they like best.
The firefighters picked Casey, Murphy and Riley. You can cast your vote on the Town of Riverview Facebook page.
“This program will be an integral part of our mental health support that is provided to our first responders and it will be a good compliment to the current peer support program,” Chief Robin True expressed. “This dog will provide comfort and support to other first responders right across the Southeast Region. Our new puppy will also be a great asset to public Fire Prevention activities.”
You can also follow Riverview Fire and Rescue’s newest addition on his Instagram account.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CezMthMvK5f/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
(Photo: TDCB)
(Photo: TDCB)
(Photo: TDCB)
