Optimist Club of Downie donates Dusty plush dogs for Stratford police to give to those in distress

Thanks to a donation from the Optimist Club of Downie, Stratford police can distribute a lookalike plush toy of their facility dog, Dusty, to those in the community experiencing distress. Just like the beloved Dusty, the toys aim to provide a sense of calm and comfort to those who need it.

By: Emily Stewart

Dusty, the facility dog for the Stratford Police Service, is well known for providing comfort to those in distress. Thanks to the Optimist Club of Downie, those in need of support and calm can bring home their own Dusty.

The Stratford Police Service will distribute 200 stuffed animal lookalikes of Dusty, plush yellow labrador retrievers with her signature purple harness, throughout the community. Social worker and Dusty’s main handler Rachel Braden reached out to the Optimist Club of Downie, who donated the toys, to see if they’d like to get involved.

"We thought this was a great opportunity for them to be able to partner with us and give back to the community and be able to provide some support for children as well,” said Const. Darren Fischer, community resource and media relations officer.

Children of Stratford police officers put the vests on the stuffed dogs during a pizza party with games.

Officers will give the plush Dusty toys out to those in Stratford, St. Marys and Perth South, who are having a bad day, including children present during distressing situations.

"Our focus is on supporting youth in the community and that doesn't just mean sponsoring a hockey team or something like that,” said Manny Puetz, incoming president of the Optimist Club of Downie. “It also means making sure the most vulnerable youth are looked after. Kids never make the choice of being in those situations. I think it's highly important that they get looked after and if there's something that can calm them down or put a smile on their face in a bad situation, let's do it."

Dusty has been part of the Stratford Police Service since January 2026. As the police service’s first facility dog, she provides emotional support to those in crisis and/or recounting a distressing situation. She has also appeared at community events throughout Stratford.

"It's really great when we're able to bring Dusty to a call and have an interaction with kids and to be able to provide them with a stuffed Dusty afterwards to continue that calming presence and just some peace to what had happened, whatever the incident was,” Fischer said.

The Stratford Police Service and the Optimist Club of Downie have collaborated for years on other initiatives like the Project 529 Bike Registration program.