Brockville Fire Department welcomes new four-legged team member

The Brockville Fire Department (BFD) just added a furry and adorable new member to their team of heroes.

Lucy, a two-year-old black lab, has joined the department’s Certified Dog Therapy Team. 

Lucy is certified with Companion Paws, a Canadian organization that enables pets to serve in a variety of meaningful positions including personal emotional support, assisted and visiting therapy. These dogs are designated therapy dogs and are not certified as service dogs.

Lucy’s official designation is ‘Assisted and Visiting Therapy Dog’ and conveniently, her handler Marilyn Poisson already works in the department as the administrative coordinator. Therefore, Lucy is well acquainted with her new workspace and human peers. Poisson told Brockvilleist, “Lucy is quite familiar with the fire hall, having spent some time here with me before. Given her loving nature and temperament, we waited until she was of age to test her for the dog therapy program and officially certify her as a therapy dog.”

In terms of the day-to-day routine for Lucy at the department, Poisson detailed, “Lucy stays with me in my office and goes wherever I go. She’ll say hi to everyone and always gets lots of attention. If someone needs a break to unwind or relax, Lucy is available for cuddles, a game of catch, or just some quality time.”

Poisson and the department have decided to start by bringing Lucy in for three half days a week to see how she does. They will then assess how it goes for Lucy and everyone else and can make adjustments if needed.

Poisson is very excited about the contribution her furry friend will hopefully make to the larger environment at BFD, sharing, “Interactions with therapy dogs can offer comfort and emotional support, reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve overall well-being. First responders have a challenging job, and we believe Lucy can provide a range of positive benefits. Even if she helps just one person, it’s all worth it.”

Poisson told Brockvilleist she is hoping Lucy’s loving nature will help others in the larger community as well. She plans to eventually bring Lucy into hospitals and retirement homes to keep spreading the joy.