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SCPD Using Two New Therapy Dogs to Help Calm Mental Health Crises

Saint Cloud, MN, USA / KNSI
Grant Dossetto
May 27, 2025 | 2:59 PM
St. Cloud Police Department

(KNSI) – The St. Cloud Police Department is now using therapy dogs to help comfort those having a mental health crisis.

River and Laker are both yellow labs from the same breeder in Milaca. They started in early May and have already passed training and certification.

Laker is two years old and has been assigned to work at ISD 742 alongside Officer Janelle Haas. St. Cloud Area Schools provided a portion of the money needed to train Laker. They meet with students and staff to help when possible.

River is part of the Mental Health Response Unit with Officer John Swing. River is expected to quickly become a face of the department at various community events. The Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation contributed to the purchase of River and their training.

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