Ripon Police Therapy Dog

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- The first step in the Ripon Police Department’s new therapy dog program begins this Sunday when Officer Lindsey Michels picks up the male golden doodle.

Michel’s is a school resource officer and community liaison officer for the department. She will be the dog’s handler. Michel’s says training will be an ongoing process for the dog which will work toward a good citizen certificate and after that on therapy training.

She credits First We Live Foundation for backing the program. The foundation is about helping kids and their helpers. They donated $10,000 toward the startup of the program. The dog will help calm down those going through a mental health crisis or those on the autism spectrum that may be going through an episode.

She says when not being used in the schools the dog will be at the police station where it can also have a calming effect on officers and staff.

The dog doesn’t have a name yet but kids at Barlow Park Elementary and Murray Park Elementary have been encouraged to submit their suggestions.