Animal control officer Roz Nenninger and her Wolcott K9 comfort dog Mallard is having fun with Amazing K9 Duos. Roz has worked as an animal control officer for more than 15 years, the last 10 of those spent with the Wolcott Police Department.
Mallard, a k9 comfort dog, has joined Nenninger’s team as a new companion. They have been together since he was 8 weeks old, and he has been trained for his role as a comfort dog for 15 months.
Beyond Connecticut, this trend of police comfort dogs for their particular departments and communities is spreading. It is creating a fresh chance for the public and law enforcement to interact in a constructive way.
“We go into the schools, we go to the senior center, we spend a lot of time at the police station, we respond to crucial instances when needed, and we work with K9 first responders,” Nenninger says when describing what the two do together.
“When major occurrences occur outside of town, such as fatalities that affect several locations, people, or catastrophes, K9 first responders call us. We frequently visit the jail system on behalf of the department of prisons to assist with comforting their officers and wherever else we are required, according to Nenninger.
Nenninger also recalls how she met Mallard, adding, “Mallard entered my life after I lost another black lab, quite similar to Mallard, and I was left feeling extremely alone. I presented the chief with my idea for a K9 comfort dog program, and after agreeing to carry it out, I was fortunate enough to be selected as the Mallards’ handler and owner.
Edward Stephens, the chief of police in Wolcott, is overjoyed with the outcomes of K9 Mallard. He planned a nice afternoon filled with several kids, coloring sheets, and Mallard.
Police Chief Edward Stephens of Wolcott remarked, “He’s something else; he’s a tremendous asset to the police department.
“He helps, he goes to schools when people have trauma, he goes around, he calms people down,” someone once said. She had a great addition and a great concept! The results are fantastic,” Police Chief Stephens continued.
Not only has Mallard brought comfort to the neighborhood, but also to the police.
Some people had doubts about the new program, but they rapidly changed their opinions after meeting Mallard.
Lt. Patrick Malloy stated, “I was really suspicious about the whole program at first, but to see what Mallard has done in the community and in this department it’s just wonderful.
In addition to his regular responsibilities as a k9 comfort dog for the police, Mallard also aids in the pound’s evaluation of dogs and cats and offers consolation to individuals who have previously lost pets.