Therapy dog visits Timmins Police Service to spread some cheer
Many believe a sweet, cuddly dog has the power to turn just about anyone's day around.
Take ' Takoda' for example – he's one of the many canines participating in the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program and he's on a special assignment at the Timmins Police Service, one of many community partners.
'Right now we visit every day of the week except Friday. We do all the nursing homes except Extendicare,' said Wendy Lemieux, coordinator the program for the Timmins area.
Police officials said the timing of the visit is perfect as 'Police Week' is wrapping up.
'It does allow for this group to interact with the Timmins Police Service and it allows for our officers to take a brief respite out of their busy days to socialize with an animal,' said Marc Depatie, the police service's communications coordinator.
'There's no downside that we can see and it does go very well with our mental health initiatives and strategies.'
Lemieux said the Therapy Dog Program is just getting back on its feet following the last few years of pandemic restrictions and handlers said they're looking forward to visiting more organizations.
'When you walk into a facility and you go by someone's room, they may not be able to speak to you, but when they see the dog, they just light up and motion c'mon in and we have a visit and we go to the next room,' said Shelley Deslauriers, one of the therapy dog handler.
'It's just a really good feeling seeing them happy and then they talk about it for hours.'
Takoda made sure no one was left without a lick at the police station.
'It's nice to have something positive and I don't have a dog at home so it's nice to be able to share a little bit of cuddle time and a bit of dog time here,' said Constable Caroline Rouillard.
Lemieux said to contact the St. John Ambulance office to reserve time with one of the therapy dogs; or if you think you've got a calm and caring canine that would make a good therapy dog.
Officials with the organization want the public to keep in mind there is a waiting list.
For more information on St. John Ambulance programs in the Timmins area, visit their Facebook page.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
28 minutes ago
- CTV News
‘Stop using immediately': Health Canada issues recall for baby nests
Health Canada issued a recall for BChic and Chicure model baby nests sold under the 'eleven' brand by CHIC BABY, warning the products pose a risk of fall, strangulation and entrapment. The recalled products include a head pillow and were sold in a variety of printed fabrics. Each nest has a tag with the brand name 'eleven.' The Chicure model also folds into a portable handbag with a handle. CHIC BABY reported that 3,007 units of the affected products were sold in Canada between February 2020 and July 2025. As of July 18, 2025, the company has not received any reports of injuries or incidents related to the use of these products in Canada. Health Canada is reminding parents and caregivers that the safest place for a baby to sleep is on their back, on a firm, flat surface intended for sleep. More information is available in the department's safe sleep guidelines for infants. Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled baby nests and to dispose of them safely to ensure they cannot be reused. For more information, consumers can contact CHIC BABY by email at info@ or visit the company's website. Health Canada also encourages consumers to report any health or safety incidents involving this or other consumer products by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Public Health confirms first human case of West Nile virus acquired in Canada
Watch The Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed an adult in Toronto with no travel history has been infected with the mosquito-borne virus.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Smoke from wildfires triggers special air quality statement in Ontario
A haze from the western wildfires as seen from Waterloo Region on June 5, 2025. The long weekend may be a smoky one for people in most of Ontario. Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement at 1:28 p.m. Saturday, warning of poor air quality and reduced visibility. 'Smoke from forest fires is expected to continue to spread south into southern Ontario this afternoon and evening. The wildfire smoke may persist for much of the weekend for parts of southern Ontario,' the notice read. The smoke is billowing from wildfires burning in the Prairies. Environment Canada warns air quality and visibility could fluctuate over short distances and vary 'considerably' from hour to hour. People living in the effected areas, including Waterloo Region, Wellington County, Brant County, Perth County and Oxford County, were encouraged to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities. The weather office said some people are more likely to be impacted by the smoke, including people aged 65 or older, pregnant people, infants and young children, and people with pre-existing conditions. Anyone working outdoors for long periods of time could also feel the effects. Some people may experience eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. Rare, but less common, symptoms include wheezing, chest pain and severe coughs.
