On July 17th 2024, Gator, a 10-year-old golden retriever visited DC3 employees with open arms. He was first registered as a therapy dog in late summer 2018, and he began visiting the Anne Arundel County Fire and Police Department 911 Communications Centers shortly afterwards. In addition to spending time with call-takers, dispatchers and other staff, 911 instructors have asked for Gator’s presence as they discuss available mental health resources, including therapy dogs, with potential new employees.
Gator’s visits were put on hold in March 2020 because of COVID-19, but after just over three weeks of no visits, the Office of Emergency Management asked for dogs to spend time with their overwhelmed staff so Gator wasn’t out of “work” for very long. He soon started modified visits with the 911 centers again, and when BWMC asked for dogs to help with their stressed staff in December 2020, he added another visit.
After the events of January 6th, 2021 and the LOD death of another officer in April 2021, Gator started visiting the Capitol Police in May of 2021. He also visits a memory care unit twice a month, and hospice patients as needed.
Gator supported victims’ loved ones during a high-profile trial in June & July 2021, and he has fulfilled special requests from NSA, GW Hillel, the Army Reserve Center, Navy Ceremonial Guard, UMBC, a memorial service at Ft. Meade, and a couple of ceremonies for Howard County Fire Department.
Gator’s constantly wagging tail, twinkling eyes, golden smile and happy-go-lucky demeanor make it very clear to every single person he meets that he loves spending time with them. During extremely stressful periods, he has been able to bring smiles and laughter, so desperately needed, to everyone he visits.
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.13.2024 14:59 |
| Photo ID: | 8587565 |
| VIRIN: | 240717-O-FX149-4788 |
| Resolution: | 6000x4000 |
| Size: | 25.14 MB |
| Location: | MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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