Photo Credit: Angel Paws Therapy Dogs

The Angel Paws Therapy Dogs showered our hardworking crime fighters with much-needed canine compassion.

 

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (22 August 2024) – The heartwarming four-legged pups at Angel Paws Therapy Dogs made history this week by providing much-needed solace to our hardworking men and women in blue.

Concerned about the rising rates of suicide among police officers, Angie Thornton, a seasoned therapy dog handler and Vice President of Angel Paws Therapy Dogs, felt compelled to take action.

Angie reached out to her local councillor, Janis Holmes, to share her idea to alleviate the stress experienced by police officers through dog therapy.

“I know many organisations, particularly in America, take their dogs to police stations, but I didn’t think it would be as well received in this country, as many have different perceptions regarding dogs, often due to bad experiences, but I decided that, in light of the report, I should at least try,” Angie shared.

Holmes shared the idea with SAPS Howick Police Station’s Warrant Officer Rene Taylor, who was all in favour of Angel Paw Therapy visiting the police station.

The Angel Paws Therapy Dogs team made history in Howick on Monday 19 August by being the first therapy dog organisation in South Africa, to visit officers on duty at a police station.

Through the simple act of petting a friendly dog, police officers have found solace and a sense of calm, demonstrating the powerful healing effects of animal companionship.

“We took four small dogs Bailey, Tickle, Roxy and Tommy. Three mixed breeds and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.”

Although some officers and staff were initially afraid, the calm, non-threatening dogs soon won them over, and they now all look forward to the friendly dogs visiting regularly.

Reflecting on the successful police-dog interaction initiative and the positive impact that therapy dogs can have on local crime fighters, Angie said:

“I’m so pleased that I decided, nothing ventured, nothing gained,” Angie added.


Sources: Angel Paws Therapy Dogs
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