The general therapeutic benefits dogs supply humans have been well-researched over the years.

Kaysville’s very own “Walter the Therapy Dog” is just over two years old and has already been beneficial in over 40 interviews or situations. The idea for Walter came about due to the well-researched benefits dogs supply humans, particularly vulnerable people (including children and adults). Research has shown that the presence of a beloved pet or therapy animal can help a person control anxiety, regulate emotions 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. 

Victim Services Coordinator Jennifer Winchester is trained in psychology and social work. She serves as a Victim Advocate, connecting or providing access to resources for those navigating the legal system or experiencing trauma. She said often, victims blame themselves and the legal process takes time and can be frustrating. There can be significant psychological, financial, social, or physical damage for a victim. 

“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,” Winchester 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. This is where Walter steps in. His specialized training allows him to pick up on emotions or stress during the investigation process and helps victims remain calm and comfortable during interviews. Depending on the victim and their needs or choices, the service dog certifications allow him to do a task such as “rest” or “across” when he’s applying deep pressure therapy.  

Walter is done with his training and fully certified as both a therapy and service dog.Winchester said on a typical day they put on his vest in the morning and leave home. “Walter is excited to go to work and just as excited to go home at night.” 

He goes through his day offering his services as needed, at times to victims and at times to officers and staff. Some days he sits in interview rooms with victims, goes to the Criminal Justice Center to comfort victims, and has even attended an accident scene due to an unexpected death. She said Walter does so much good and receives so much attention at work that by the end of the weekend, he is sighing heavily and giving her sad/side eyes because he misses his job and is such a devoted people person.   

At the end of the day, Walter is a typical dog; he loves teddy bears, watching birds and playing tug-of-war. Periodically, Winchester will let him go to a “doggy daycare” to be able to run and play and be social with other dogs. Recently, he did something to his lower back and so the department joked that “Walter had to be put on light duty.” He spent time recouping by resting peacefully under Winchester’s desk in what “used to be” her office that now looks more like Walter’s domain. She said officers will stop by daily to see Walter; the internal benefit for officers is a bonus and they love having him around the office. It’s not all work for Walter; for Halloween this year, he became “Walter-Melon” and was quite a hit at the city Trunk or Treat event. He also had one nail painted blue to participate in an awareness campaign called “Paint one Nail Blue to Stand for Victims’ Rights” with Kaysville Officers during National Crime Victims Rights Week.

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. Sometimes people will ask if a regular person can get themselves a Walter, said Winchester. Any dog with appropriate training and temperament could fulfill that role or become certified (some breeds are better than others in overall temperament when dealing with loud noises, touching, and feeling). Winchester said there are many studies on the associated benefits and other law enforcement entities are giving thought to this type of victim advocacy and therapy.