St. Cloud’s Police Department Welcomes Therapy Dogs For Community Care

ST. CLOUD (WJON News) -- A local police department has added two new officers as part of a new initiative to reach their community in times of need. The St. Cloud Police Department (SCPD) has added two therapy dogs to help work with those who are experiencing a mental health crisis or may find a sense of calm in interacting with the animals.

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River and Laker started with SCPD in May and are both fully certified to work with officers on calls for service and community engagement events. Laker is a 2-year-old Yellow Lab who works with Officer Janelle Haas mainly within the St. Cloud School District.

River is a 3-year-old Yellow Lab working alongside Officer John Swing with the Mental Health Response Unit. Both dogs came from the Whispering Pines Labs in Milaca.

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