Sometimes it helps to have extra support when dealing with a crisis of any kind.
That support often comes in the form of family and friends but the RCMP's Chinook Arch Victims Services Unit can now also provide immediate crisis intervention and support with the help of a new canine friend.
His name is Ringo.
He is a 2 -year-old black Lab who will make his first visit to Innisfail on Feb. 17 when he stops at the Innisfail Seniors Drop-In Centre from 10 a.m. to noon.
“Any crisis calls that we have that would be appropriate, we bring Ringo,” said Rhonda Kearns, program manager for Chinook Arch Victims Services, based out of the RCMP detachments in Olds, Didsbury and Sundre.
“There are a number of situations that we would utilize him for,” she added, noting an example of a motor vehicle accident. “When children come into the detachment to give a statement, if they are either a victim or a witness to something, they can have Ringo with them.”
In addition to police calls, therapy dogs like Ringo are used by fire departments, mental health units, hospitals and courts.
Visitors and members of the seniors drop-in centre in Innisfail will have the chance to meet Ringo, the victims services therapy dog, and hear about the work he does with Kearns.
Ringo is owned and trained by Dogs With Wings, an organization based in Edmonton.
“Ringo loves to be around people,” said Kearns. “Dogs With Wings trains dogs for autistic children, the visually impaired and those in wheelchairs. Their newest program is victims services dogs, and because Ringo loves to be around people, he fits into that category.”
Ringo has been with Chinook Arch Victims Services since the end of October and was fully trained when he arrived last fall. Since then he has been put to use across Central Alberta in a variety of areas and crisis situations, noted Kearns.
Like many therapy dogs, Ringo provides an important service and has had a positive impact over the past several months, said Kearns.
“It's just having that comfort of a dog. Ringo provides that calming factor and makes a huge difference,” Kearns concluded.
Ringo will be at the seniors drop-in centre from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon on Feb. 17. Those wishing to attend are asked to pre-register by dropping into the centre or by calling 403-227-6601.
Rhonda Kearns
"It's just having that comfort of a dog. Ringo provides that calming factor and makes a huge difference."
