Ohio Fire Department's Therapy Dog Starts Her First Day on the Job After Months of Training

Gabrielle LaFrank
·2 min read
4

Every rescue dog has a purpose--to be the four-legged friend every owner needs--but one dog who was surrendered to an Ohio shelter last Thanksgiving is getting a whole new lease on life. In fact, she has one of the most important roles a dog could have!

Firefighter K. Locasto of Delhi Township adopted black and white pup Ember in January, and she was the perfect fit to become the fire department's new therapy dog. It took months of formal training and paperwork before the former shelter dog officially had the job, but she joined her colleagues on the front lines (AKA handing out Halloween candy) on October 31. So far, she's making a paw-fect first impression!

Good girl, Ember! Her first day on the job may have been all about greetings and pictures, but she'll be putting her training to the test in no time. And it's not just basic obedience training that she's mastered; Ember passed the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test, as well as her therapy dog exams!

Related: Therapy Dog In Training Getting Too Excited to Complete a Task Is Precious

This patient pup tolerates costumes better than most dogs, and it's so cool to see all of her official firehouse accessories. Whether she's rocking her therapy dog vest or her neon bandana, there's no doubt she's a professional at what she does.

And what does she do, exactly? According to the Delhi Township Fire Department's Facebook post, she's in charge of comforting firefighters and making their days a whole lot brighter. She seems like the kind of gal who's down for a good cuddle just because, but she'll be there for first responders on some of the most stressful days of their lives, too.

As the Ohio firefighters reminded readers, mental health concerns like depression and PTSD are even more prevalent in first responders than they are in the general population. Many therapeutic strategies, including therapy animal assistance, can provide support and relief to those who are struggling. Ember's life may have been saved when Firefighter Locasto rescued her, but this loving dog is saving lives, too!

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