Dogs are generally fun-loving and loyal and those are among the qualities that have endeared them to us for all this time.
However, when a dog is required to perform a certain task, there are certain traits that are needed and one of them is focus.
Unfortunately for River, a five-year-old Labrador, she flunked guide-dog training because she was too fun-loving and loved chasing squirrels too much. Not the most ideal trait when you’re trying to lead the blind!
But as the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens and such is the case for the kind dog. River has been recruited by the police as a therapy dog for vulnerable victims and suspects.
She’s now part of a pilot project at Maidstone Police Station in Kent where she is expected to help people who are taken into custody, particularly young people and those suffering from mental illness.
Sergeant Ian Sutton said: “We are often dealing with people in crisis and although their behavior has resulted in an arrest, they could be suffering from depression, anxiety or mental illness.
“Young people may find themselves in custody too and in some cases, they are scared and daunted by the experience, whilst others may have difficulty in communicating.
“Being detained can exacerbate these issues and we are committed to ensuring that police custody is a safe and supportive environment for both police, staff and detainees. We are always looking for new or innovative ways to achieve this.”
She is only meant to be used for vulnerable detainees who need support so that they may be processed more smoothly.
Pets as Therapy certified River as a therapy dog in 2016. She had previously helped children in a special educational needs school and should be up for this new challenge.
Based on the assessment of Kent Police’s dog unit trainers, Rivers was determined to have the resilience to adapt to the unpredictable environment of a police station.
Sgt. Sutton added: “River has joined the team to offer emotional support to people who are experiencing difficulties, she provides a therapeutic benefit to those in crisis and helps to counter some of the negative behavior we sometimes experience in custody.
“Since beginning work with us she has had a notable positive impact on those she has spent time and the atmosphere in custody improves when she is on shift.
“This allows staff and officers to use their time more effectively rather than diffusing situations.”
Replaced!