The general therapeutic benefits dogs supply humans have been well-researched over the years. On November 24, 2021, Kaysville’s very own “Walter the Therapy Dog” celebrated his 1st birthday. He enjoyed a special birthday party with his own dog cake.

The idea for Walter, the Therapy Dog, came about due to the well-researched benefits dogs supply humans, particularly vulnerable people (including children and adults). It is not easy for those suffering from trauma to keep their feelings and emotions regulated. Still, the companionship offered by therapy dogs can help such individuals fight off emotional breakdowns and keep their minds engaged with happy thoughts. 

Research has shown that the presence of a beloved pet or therapy animal can help a person control anxiety, regulate emotional arousals, and improve mood. Since therapy dogs are trained to be attentive to a person’s needs and offer unconditional love, they can often stabilize intense emotions. Studies have found that animals supply a form of quiet companionship and support that can help meet the emotional needs of survivors during the investigation process and help them in remaining calm and comfortable during their interviews.

When Victim Advocate Jennifer Winchester first approached Police Chief Solomon Oberg about the department getting a therapy dog, she said, “I thought I might be getting my walking papers instead.” Luckily, that didn’t happen, and he really liked the idea. 

“We were looking for another way to improve our response to victims of crime and having a therapy dog in the department is much like having a victim advocate,” she said. 

When police respond to a call for service, it is not typically a joyous or fun occasion, and they often find people coping with the most challenging time of their lives.

Winchester was able to obtain funding through the Victim of Crime Act (VOCA), so the cost to buy Walter and pay for his training was paid for through that funding and not through city funds. She researched therapy dogs and service dogs and found a fantastic trainer that helped find a breeder, temperament test dogs, and finally, find Walter. 

“The trainer has been with us since Walter was six weeks old,” Winchester said. “I am Walter’s handler, and we have worked one-on-one weekly to train him specifically for his job here at Kaysville.” 

Winchester said “it’s been a fantastic experience.” She said Walter has completed service and dog therapy training, but he is still young, so training is ongoing. He is a hybrid of both a service and a therapy dog and has been through rigorous training to get where he is--the difference being a service dog is trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. A therapy dog is trained to supply affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, police departments, disaster areas, etc. He has worked with two victims so far, and both have loved him. 

“I will say that I know our officers absolutely love having him around the office, which has been an unexpected but great side benefit for them,” Winchester said.

Walter’s specific task or “gift” is providing deep pressure therapy to victims of crime by “resting” his head on the victim’s lap. Deep Pressure Therapy – or just pressure therapy – involves a dog using its weight and sometimes warmth to mitigate a psychiatric symptom, often either as a calming strategy or to minimize disengagement from the world. The dog recognizes the handler’s command and is trained to respond with DPT. Similar to a weighted blanket, DPT can relax and re-engage a person enduring an otherwise disabling symptom.

Walter is not always available. He has been training hard and is almost ready to start helping the Kaysville community. In October, he practiced his skills on deep pressure therapy for citizens during interviews. He can be scheduled to attend an interview with Victim Advocate Jennifer Winchester, or any officer can help in making this connection.