Facility dog Dusty joins Stratford Police Service to support first responders and community
- Amanda Nelson
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The Stratford Police Service has welcomed a new four-legged team member aimed at supporting first responders and community members across Stratford, St. Marys and Perth South.
NSD Dusty, an accredited facility dog and yellow Labrador retriever, has been donated to local police through National Service Dogs, with funding support from Wounded Warriors Canada. Dusty supports service members, civilians and first responders.
Dusty is a graduate of National Service Dogs’ Facility Dog Program, made possible through donations and funding from Wounded Warriors Canada as part of its ongoing efforts to support first responders following critical incidents and to reduce occupational stress injuries.
Facility dogs are purpose-bred and trained to work under the direction of professionals, using specific skills to provide emotional support and a calming influence. Dusty will work alongside investigators, front-line members and social workers to support citizens across the region.
Unlike larger centres, such as London, which may have facility dogs dedicated to specific programs, Dusty will devote time to the first responder community while also engaging in day-to-day interactions.
“In the last several years, we have had the opportunity to witness the incredible impact these dogs have on those they serve,” said Rachel Braden, a social worker and Dusty’s primary handler. “They bring light in the darkest of times and provide a type of support that transcends what humans can provide.”
Braden said the presence of a facility dog often creates an immediate shift in atmosphere.
“There’s a basic human-animal connection,” she said. “You walk into a room and if there’s a dog to play with, everyone is just naturally a little bit calmer and happier. I would say it really helps with the bridging between police and the community.”
She also noted that facility dogs differ from service dogs, which are trained to support one individual.
“Facility dogs are purpose-bred and trained to work with a variety of people,” Braden said. “This is probably one of the only situations where you’ll see a dog in a vest and you’re allowed to say hello, because of the nature of the work they’re trained to do with a professional.”
Const. Darren Fischer, community resource and media relations officer, is one of Dusty’s secondary handlers. He said Dusty helps reduce stress and ease interactions with police.
“When Dusty is here, there is an immediate lightening of the mood,” Fischer said. “People get playful and you can see that serious work mode take a break for a moment. That decompression from the continuous, ongoing stress of the job. She really allows for a mental health break.”
Fischer added that Dusty can also help break down barriers for people who may feel uncomfortable interacting with police.
“She has an opportunity to soften that visit a little bit,” he said. “(Dusty) can help break down that barrier for people who have concerns about interacting with the police, so officers can better engage and offer support.”
Police Chief Greg Skinner said Dusty and Braden add another layer of support for both officers and the community.
“Tragic events can happen to anyone at any time,” Skinner said. “We may not be able to eliminate the trauma that comes with tragedy, but we can try to mitigate it through the provision of member and community support.”
Skinner said the program will help support people in vulnerable situations, assist victims of crime and strengthen relationships between police and the community.
When Dusty is out in the community, Braden said members of the public are welcome to interact with and pet her. Fischer reminded residents that safety comes first and asking permission before petting any dog is always best practice.
Those interested in following Dusty’s work can find her on Instagram at @sps_nsddusty.