SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office announce the addition of a new tool to support citizens in the community affected by trauma, mental health and crime, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.
In conjunction with the Wichita Animal Action League (WAAL) the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is implementing a professional therapy dog program.
Cherokee is a year old Aussie mix with beautiful brown and red fur and has a unique feature with one brown eye and one blue eye. She enjoys going on walks, playing with her tennis ball, and loves eating treats.
Cherokee will assist the Sheriff's victim advocate, Brittany Richardson with supporting citizens in the community. Cherokee will also be available to all Sedgwick County Sheriff office employees to help cope with exposure of traumatic events and will support efforts aimed at increasing resiliency, health, and wellness. Cherokee will help regulate a person’s emotional state through her calm presence, regulated breathing, and touch. Cherokee’s presence will help people to feel safe while dealing with and overcoming trauma. Without the assistance of the WAAL this endeavor would not have been possible.
This program is purely funded by the generosity of our community. We are asking for the communities help today for us to cover the initial and continued cost of our new program. Donations will help cover the cost of equipment, supplies, and services necessary for the development of this new program.
Heartland Animal Hospital in BelAire has donated hundreds of dollars in veterinarian services and helped to coordinate 6 months worth of Hills Science Diet food for Cherokee. Family Dog Training and Behavioral Center has offered a great price to provide the training Cherokee will need.
The sheriff's office asked for help to support the heroes at the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Sedgwick County with Cherokee’s love at what might be the hardest time of their lives.
Donations are being collected by the Sedgwick County FOP Lodge 74. If you would like to make a donation to the therapy dog program please contact Brittany Richardson at 316-660-5305, Jeremy Noel at 316-660-5326, or you can donate through cashapp to Sedgwick County FOP, $SedgwickFOPKS074