Rescued Pasco Therapy K-9s Celebrated On National Rescue Dog Day

PASCO COUNTY, FL — In honor of National Rescue Dog Day on May 20, the Pasco Sheriff's Office is celebrating its own rescue dogs now serving as K-9s.

The sheriff's office has four rescue dogs in the agency's animal-assisted therapy K-9 program: AAT K-9s Charlie, Mango, Tacoma and Woodie. They were all rescued from a Brevard County shelter and trained through the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office’s “Paws & Stripes” program.

This program provides inmates with the opportunity to learn valuable skills while teaching dogs to be calm and confident companions.

The AAT K-9s now use their second chance to comfort those in crisis. In 2020, PSO introduced AAT K-9s to the agency to help ease difficult situations by providing a calm presence to those who need it most.

Related:

• Sheriff Employs Lovable Pit Bull Mix As Mental Health Therapy K-9
• Pasco Residents Facing Crisis Have Friend In Woodie

People experiencing a crisis can be uncomfortable when speaking with a deputy. Two of PSO’s AAT K-9s partner with detectives on the Behavioral Health Intervention Team, who often meet with those in crisis or those experiencing a mental health challenge. The others are paired with community engagement deputies.

The funds to purchase, train and equip all of PSO’s K-9s comes from community donations from residents, groups and businesses. No funds come from taxpayer dollars.

Those interested in donating can click here.