Plympton-Halifax-Kingston Express

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Rates
    • Advertisement Rates
    • Subscription Rates
    • Classified Order Form
  • Contact the Express
  • Archives
  • Our Advertisers
You are here: Home / News / Fire dog gets comfort credentials

Fire dog gets comfort credentials

December 30, 2022 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

PLYMPTON – The Massachusetts House of Representatives recognized Plympton Fire K9 Wilden and his handler, Captain Cheryl Davis, with a citation in recognition of their certification as a First Responder Therapy Dogs team.
State Representative Kathy LaNatra presented the team with the citation during a ceremony at Plympton Fire Headquarters on Wednesday, Dec. 21. Captain Davis rescued Wilden, a three-year-old-mutt, from Antigua in 2019. He was part of a litter found abandoned on a beach on the island, which has a rampant stray dog and cat population.
First Responder Therapy Dogs certify teams (handler and dog) who address behavior health needs by providing emotional support to first responders with the use of trained therapy dogs. The teams visit fire departments, police stations and dispatch 911 call centers. They are also available for debriefings after difficult calls and first responder special events. Captain Davis recognized Wilden’s knack for comforting people when he would visit her at the fire station. Wilden’s calming effect was on full display when she brought him to a class while getting certified in Critical Incident Stress Management.
“As first responders we’re telling their story, he had an instant instinct to go up to the ones who needed him the most,” Captain Davis said. The well-being of first responders is near and dear to Representative LaNatra’s heart. The wife of a police officer, she filed a bill to provide greater access to mental health services for first responders involved in traumatic events. “First responders encounter trauma events every day and are often reluctant to share their feelings with colleagues or friends,” she said. “My bill will really insist they get the help they need.”
Captain Davis and Wilden have been working hard to earn this certification. This past August, Wilden obtained his American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certificate, which was the final step in his application for the First Responder Therapy Dogs program. Chris Maynard with Maynard Dog Training Solutions donated Wilden’s training.
Captain Davis and Wilden are one of 81 certified First Responder Therapy Dog teams across 17 states. Massachusetts has 11 certified teams. Two additional teams are currently enrolled in the certification process.

 

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Print

Related

Filed Under: Featured Story, News

Your Hometown News!

The Plympton-Halifax Express covers the news you care about. Local events. Local business. Local schools. We honestly report about the stories that affect your life. That’s why we are your hometown newspaper!
FacebookEmailsubscribeCall

IN THE NEWS

Memorial Day events honor those who served

June 2, 2023 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

… [Read More...]

FEATURED SERVICE DIRECTORY BUSINESS

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Print

Related

Latest News

  • Town Counsel rules Selectmen rule
  • Pine Street Bridge detours
  • Memorial Day events honor those who served
  • Kaitlin Rancourt Achieves Spring Dean’s List at Belmont University
  • Halifax Memorial Day parade event
  • Russo wins another term as Plympton selectman
  • Schmaling chairs final meeting
  • Shea celebrates 60 years as a barber acutting
  • Kingston Memorial Day Parade and Community Cookout 2023
  • Halifax BOS stays at three

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Print

Related

»
«

Plympton-Halifax Express  • 1000 Main Street, PO Box 60, Hanson, MA 02341 • 781-293-0420 • Published by Anderson Newspapers, Inc.