Therapy dog joins Ventura Police Department to lift spirits – VC Star

A furry, four-legged friend is the Ventura Police Department’s newest employee as a comfort therapy dog for the office. 
The dog’s main goal is to “comfort both the public and department,” said Chief Darin Schindler.
The dog will also interact with the public after it completes training.
When the pup’s blue custom police bandana is on, he is in work mode. His job is to ease tension and lower post-incident stress and anxiety levels for employees.
Asher, a one-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel and poodle mix, or cavadoodle, was donated to the department by VIP Dog Teams, a local nonprofit dedicated to improving people’s health through bonds with animals.
Asher completed American Kennel Club canine good citizen certification with his trainer and founder of VIP Dog Teams, Nancy Mitchell, prior to being placed at the police station. 
Typically, therapy dogs aren’t assigned to a job until they are at least 1 1/2 years old, Mitchell said, yet she is confident of Asher’s abilities. She described him as “very receptive” and “fabulous with children.” 
The dog’s arrival is part of a wellness program for officers and civilian employees.
Mental health wasn’t really talked about when Schindler was a young officer, he said.
Asher’s job will be to help alleviate tension built up on the job.
“It can get to you,” Schindler said.
In the span of about three months, Schindler contacted VIP Dog Teams about his vision, led interviews and held a selection process open to both sworn and non-sworn employees.
Roger Wang, a civilian business services officer, was ultimately selected to take a collateral assignment as Asher’s handler. He formerly owned a dog for 14 years and later fostered dogs.
“It’s the perfect timing,” Wang said.
Now, Asher and Wang will continue to train at the office with Mitchell to complete various tests before serving the public. 
As training progresses, Asher will help bring comfort to child victims of crime and in other crisis situations, Schindler said.
As a therapy dog, different from a service animal, Asher is trained to be social. His coat is hypoallergenic and he has a calm temperament. He’s been trained to sit, shake, high-five, hug and more.
Those tricks will help while visiting other city departments, community events and when soothing victims and witnesses.
“It’s our way of giving back,” Mitchell said of her nonprofit’s donation. “We are happy to support first responders.”
Mitchell said she’s thrilled to have Asher at the station and is in the process of helping provide a dog to the Ventura City Fire Department.
Staff members have already warmed up to Asher. Part of the canine’s training is to walk through various units at police headquarters including dispatch, investigation and more. 
In the dispatch area, Asher is allowed to be more playful since the environment can be stressful due to the unexpected nature of incoming calls. He even has toys in a locker at the unit.
“He can let loose in dispatch,” Wang said during a walk-through on Monday.
Since Asher’s start in the office, staff have noticed a positive change in the atmosphere. Employees look forward to greeting the dog during his rounds.
Next to Wang’s office door is a treat box so employees can interact with Asher when they need to unwind. There’s also a nap sign for when Asher needs a break in his crate or on a mat.
When Asher is not on the job, he’ll be on call 24 hours a day but will go home with Wang as a family dog. Asher currently works reduced hours while in training but will later be at the office full time.
Ahers’ continued veterinary expenses, food and grooming will be covered by the Ventura Police Community Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the police department. 
Cytlalli Salgado is a breaking news reporter for the Ventura County Star. She can be reached by calling 805-437-0257 or emailing [email protected].

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