Fountain Police Department welcomes new Therapy K9 dog

FOUNTAIN, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Fountain Police Department is happy to announce their newest employee, an Old English Sheepdog named Hulk.

The two-year-old dog is part of the departments new Therapy K9 Program.

FPD says the program was developed with the intent to reach citizens on a different level, saying dogs are often great conversation starters and make officers more approachable to the community.

Therapy dogs are used to help those within the community in times of crisis, as well as helping police officers cope during traumatic events. FPD says dogs provide a positive, social opportunity for law enforcement and help in strengthening the relationship within the community.

According to FPD, research shows visits from a therapy dog can lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce patient anxiety, and increase levels of endorphins and oxytocin.

Across the county, approximately 250 law enforcement agencies have implemented therapy dog programs. Those agencies reporting seeing benefits in both their departments and the communities they serve.

FPD says they reached out to the community about potentially starting a K9 Therapy Program, and was met with an overwhelming response from several people interested in helping build the program.

Hulk was donated to the City of Fountain from Bugaboo Old English Sheepdog Kennel, owned by breeders Health, Colton, Douglas, and Michaelanne Johnson.

FPD says Hulk has already made a lasting impression on officers and citizens, and they are forever grateful to have him as part of their family.