EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - The Effingham County Sheriff's Office is introducing the public to its newest service dog, K9 Dale.
Deputy Dale is a 2 1/2-year-old poodle mix and is a rescue from Brevard County, Florida.
He will be specially trained as a therapy dog and be used to help 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," ECSO said. "We hope to use this dog to bring comfort to people in need and to break down barriers."
K9 Dale's handler is School Resource Officer Alex Ritz. They both attended the Brevard County Florida Sheriff's Office Therapy Dog 1-week handler school this December.
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 could have an allergic reaction to dogs.
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