Cranston Police Receive $5K For Therapy Dog Program

CRANSTON, RI — The Cranston Police Department received a $5,000 grant for the Cali Fund, a program that offers support to vulnerable victims.

The program is named for Cali, the department's certified therapy and compassion dog. She is often used to comfort children and victims of sexual, domestic or physical abuse when meeting with police, the department said.

The grant, provided by AT&T, was presented by representatives from the company and Rep. Jacquelyn Baginski. The Cranston lawmaker called the dog a "godsend" to the department and victims.

"In particular, her work with children that come into contact with the [department] is extremely beneficial to these children experiencing terrible episodes of abuse and neglect," Baginski said. "I thank AT&T for supporting this wonderful program and most importantly, I thank Cali and the dedicated officers of the CPD for all that they do to keep us safe and protected."