Crime & Safety

Meet Taxi, Wellness K-9 For San Diego County Sheriff's Office

The English Labrador was originally raised as a guide dog and now serves as a certified therapy dog.

Taxi was born on Sept. 7, 2023, and was originally raised as a guide dog by Guide Dogs of the Desert.
Taxi was born on Sept. 7, 2023, and was originally raised as a guide dog by Guide Dogs of the Desert. (San Diego County Sheriff's Office)

SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego County Sheriff's Office has a special new member.

The sheriff's office on Wednesday introduced Taxi, an English Labrador now serving as a certified therapy dog. The "Wellness K9" has been trained to detect stress and respond, while responding with comfort and care, according to the sheriff's office.

"Taxi supports the San Diego Sheriff's Office by assisting during critical incidents and debriefings, providing much-needed emotional support to our personnel," the agency said on social media.

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Taxi was born on Sept. 7, 2023, and was originally raised as a guide dog by Guide Dogs of the Desert. He is always accompanied by his handler and owner, retired sheriff's Sgt. Monica Sanchez, according to the sheriff's office.

"As we enter a busy and sometimes stressful holiday season, Taxi is a reminder that wellness matters — and support comes in all forms, even four paws and a wagging tail," the sheriff's office said.

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