You may have heard stories of dogs serving as brave police pups or maybe as gentle therapy dogs. These dogs play a big part in their field of work. But there is another type of job that dogs do that you may not know about.
Did you know that some pups work as a crisis assistant pup? Well, now, you know. One of these pups is a lovely dog named Cooper. Cooper helps link the gap connecting mental health experts and law enforcement.
Cooper is a hard-working black labrador who works with his human, Nicholas Tebetts, at the Vermont State Police. The sweet pup has helped many people who went through fatal accidents calm down and de-escalate. Vermont State Police has other dogs in their force, but Cooper’s skills are entirely distinct from the other pups. Cooper is specifically trained to give comfort to trauma sufferers and to help de-escalate volatile circumstances.
Nicholas, from the Northwestern Counseling and Support Services, says that people love it when they see Cooper. They instantly want to pat the pup and play with him. Just being by Cooper’s side calms the victims down. But Cooper does more than comforting others by being with them.
Both the pup and his human, Nicholas, have received the best training. Cooper participated in the police academy and learned not to be alarmed when exposed to gunfire or yelling. Cooper also gained national certifications in article research, obedience, and tracking.
Even though Cooper is trained very well, he is still sharpening his abilities through a 16-hour advanced training every week. Because of Nicholas and Cooper’s reliable work ethics and skills, State Police Lt. Jerry Partin calls the duo a valuable asset to the police force. Lt. Partin adds that the balance they have together can’t be found anywhere else in other K9 programs.
The program of having a clinician with the State Police started last 2016 and has proved to be an excellent way to lessen more tragic situations and have milder effects such as mental health referrals. The program is continuing to bring great results and is anticipated to expand. Cooper and Nicholas are one of those making an excellent start to a better future!
Credits to WCAX News