LAWRENCE, KS – The Lawrence Police Department has introduced a unique new team member: Rosie, a therapy dog who helps foster positive relationships between officers and local students.
Rosie, a 5-year-old mini Goldendoodle, is the department’s first therapy dog. Assigned to West Middle School, she works alongside School Resource Officer Lindsay Bishop to ease tensions between students and police, as many middle schoolers feel intimidated by officers in full gear.
By offering comfort and companionship, Rosie helps students feel more at ease and encourages them to open up, especially after stressful or traumatic events. Trained through Loving Paws Animal Therapy, Rosie has also passed the K9 Good Citizen Test. Beyond her school duties, she participates in community outreach, visiting nursing homes, libraries, and assisting with trauma therapy for first responders.
Source: kmbc.com
