The newest member of the Door County Sheriff’s Department will likely be able to sit, stay, roll over, and, most importantly, comfort you in times of need. The Door County Board of Supervisors will consider a resolution on Tuesday that would allow the Door County Sheriff’s Department to accept the donation of a therapy dog from Blueberry Cottage Labradoodles from Osseo, Wis. The business has donated more than a dozen therapy dogs to local police departments and district attorney offices across the state, including Tomah, Hobart, De Pere, and La Crosse. The therapy dog will be primarily used for crisis response, victim and witness support, and mental health and wellbeing programs. 

Chief Deputy Pat McCarty told the Door County Crime Prevention Fund that the value of a therapy dog in law enforcement "cannot be underestimated," adding that "their role in aiding in crisis response, supporting victims and witnesses, enhancing officer well-being, and fostering community engagement are vital to the success of modern law enforcement.”

The Door County Crime Prevention Fund, which is also responsible for helping bring K-9 units to Door County, began its fundraising efforts several weeks ago to help offset the costs of caring and training for the dog. You can click this link to support those efforts.

The Door County Board will also approve two other grants for the Door County Library and honor the life of former Sturgeon Bay Mayor and County Supervisor Dennis McIntosh when it meets on Tuesday at 10 a.m.