New Service Dog for Sheriff's Office

(DEPUTY DALE WITH HANDLER AND S-R-O ALEX RITZ)

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office has announced its newest service Dog, K9 Dale.

Deputy Dale is a 2-½-year-old poodle mix and is a rescue from Brevard County, Florida. Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns said, "Deputy Dale is specially trained as a Therapy dog and he will be used to assist people in mental health crisis, in the social/emotional development of school aged children, and to assist people with anxiety after a traumatic experience. It is proven that most people and children react favorably and openly to a friendly, tail wagging dog, making them less agitated and more at ease. We hope to use this dog to bring comfort to people in need and to break down barriers".

School Resource Officer Alex Ritz is K9 Dale’s handler. They both attended the Brevard County Florida Sheriff’s Office Therapy Dog One-Week Handler School earlier this month. Prior to the handler school, Dale attended an in-depth therapy training at the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, which taught him obedience, and certified him as an AKC Canine Good Citizen. Deputy Dale is non-shedding and has a hypoallergenic coat for those who would have an allergic reaction to dogs.

Sheriff Kuhns said, "I have seen Therapy Dogs work wonders in instances where young children were required to testify in court. There is something about a friendly dog that makes intimidating, unfamiliar places, a little less scary. I have high expectations for this program, and I hope you help me Welcome K9 Dale to our Sheriff’s Office and community."