Meet the service dogs who will help vets and first responders
Posted December 9, 2019 5:36 am.
Last Updated December 10, 2019 2:58 pm.
Peel police Sgt. Graham Bettes and St. Catharine’s firefighter Shawn Bennett have started a unique treatment program for first responders who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Valhalla Project is set to begin in March of 2020 and will be free to any emergency service worker or military veteran who is suffering with mental trauma from their jobs.
It aims to teach emergency workers how to cope, but also pairs most of the participants with service dogs, and they’re trained together. Valhalla hopes to have about 120 people and 80 service dogs graduate every year.
Meet some of the dogs training to help veterans and first responders below:
Maverick
Maverick. Photo credit: The Valhalla Project Niagara
Age: 3 years old
Breed: Brittany Spaniel
Special skills: Giving hugs and stand-up paddle-boarding
Fun fact: Maverick was born on Remembrance Day
Sarg
Sarg and a friend share a stick. Photo credit: The Valhalla Project Niagara
Breed: Golden Retriever
Special skills: Calms anxiety in crowded areas including malls and concerts. He also shares his sticks.
Fun fact: Sarg is a music lover! He saw Jimmy Buffet in concert this summer and met the members of the band ‘Chicago.’
Siren
Photo credit: The Valhalla Project Niagara
Breed: Golden Retriever
Special skills: Waking his human out of PTSD-related nightmares immediately
Fun fact: Siren is from the Midland area … and loves naps
Tartan
Breed: Golden Retriever
Age: 10 years old
Special skills: Calming anxiety in public places.
