EL MONTE (CNS) – Two Labrador retrievers specially trained to support firefighters with post-traumatic stress or high-level anxiety are set to join the Los Angeles County Fire Department today as part of a new program.
Donated by Thor’s Hope Foundation in partnership with Performance K9 Training, Inc. and the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation, “Milo” and “Echo” were specially selected and completed hundreds of hours of intense specialized training to support firefighters in a variety of situations and settings. Echo is a 3-year-old yellow Lab who began her career as a service dog helping a Marine who struggled with PTSD and severe night terrors. Milo, also 3, is a chocolate Lab trained by David Greene, who has represented the U.S. on four world competition teams.
Trainers say the dogs can assist by both identifying individuals experiencing increased stress and comforting them. The first two dogs to join the department’s new Peer Support K9 Program, both canines have already been deployed to assist firefighters and first responders on the recent Bobcat Fire…
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Full Press Conference | CBS Los Angeles | San Gabriel Valley Tribune | My News LA | Los Angeles Firefighters Local 1014
