Appleton, Wis. – Motivation and support can come in many forms, including a cold nose and a warm heart, as the Appleton Police Department welcomes a Canine Companions facility dog to their team. Edison the IV, a 2-year-old Black Labrador Retriever, will provide emotional support and wellbeing to our community.
As an expertly trained facility dog, Edison will assist handler Sergeant Lori Duven during her work as a Victim Services Officer, by utilizing some of the 40 commands that he knows. Edison’s skills will be used to motivate and increase confidence with children, assist crime victims, and other vulnerable populations we serve. He will also support victims and witnesses during interviews and be present during some court procedures.
Lieutenant Meghan Cash made the following statement regarding Edison’s arrival: “We are so happy to have Edison join the Appleton Police Department Community Resource Unit, He has a skill set beyond comfort and therapy, and is very different from our other working dogs. This makes him an excellent addition to our mission to serve with compassion. Like every other member of the Appleton Police Department team, Edison is a highly trained professional with a love to serve others. We look forward to seeing the impact he will have and know he will make a difference here in Appleton.”
Canine Companions breeds, raises and trains service dogs and facility dogs in commands designed to assist people with disabilities or to motivate and inspire clients in a professional environment. The process to become a facility dog includes two years of daily, specialized training. Sgt. Duven was matched with Edison, free of charge, after intensive training at Canine Companions North Central Training Center in Ohio.
When asked about how Edison will impact her work, Sgt. Duven said: “In the short time that Edison and I have been together I have already witnessed a glimpse of the impact he can have on our community. There is something very organic about the sense of calm and peace he introduces to a room, and I look forward to all the ways he and I will be able to continue to serve the city of Appleton.”
Check out these stories:
Meet Edison! Appleton Police Department’s newest K9 officer*
Appleton Police Welcome Facility Dog*
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