Say ‘hello’ to the OK9 wellbeing and trauma support dogs and their handlers in police forces in the South West and Wales.
These dogs are all members of the national OK9 wellbeing and trauma support dog network and are able to attend the aftermath of a major incident to support those affected by trauma. They also get the opportunity to attend national events and to support our wellbeing outreach service.
Alfie's handler, Danielle, said: "Alfie has been an OK9 dog since October 2022 and was one of the first in Avon and Somerset Police. He loves his job, meeting people and being the centre of attention. Alfie is a large dog and his very presence changes the atmosphere in a room immediately. It takes us a while to go anywhere as we are constantly being stopped by people to say hi. He loves the fuss."
Connie's handler is Sue Coates. Sue is a police sergeant working in the inspection and evidence based policing team. She is new to the OK9 team.
Sue said: "I know there is a strong evidence base around the positive impact that dogs can make on wellbeing, and I decided to get involved after I saw one of our other OK9 dogs on duty. That brief interaction gave staff a real boost and it inspired me to find out more. I am about to become a mental health first aider and hoping that Connie and I have our first duty soon."
Leigh Hext has been a police officer for 32 years and 28 of those have been as dog handler. Leigh said: "I currently handle Dax who is a drugs, cash, and firearms recovery search dog alongside his new role as a wellbeing dog. I also handle police dog Holly who is a wellbeing dog. Her day job is searching for explosives. Both my dogs live together and are best buddies.
"I have attended several wellbeing deployments with the dogs and have been pleasantly surprised by the tremendous reception Dax and Holly have had. The dogs are able to make connections on another level and have already been a big hit in our force area."
Amy, Eggsy's handler said: "I became a mental health first aider in June 2023, with the aim of Eggsy supporting me with this role as part of the OK9 scheme. In July 2022 I was involved in a road traffic collision on duty, in which my police horse, Rocky, was struck by a car at speed, I received only minor injuries, but Rocky’s injuries caused him to be put to sleep late in 2022.
"As part of my recovery from this incident, becoming a mental health first aider was suggested to me by my inspector, and I am really looking forward to Eggsy’s friendly and bouncy demeanour enabling me to open dialogue with my colleagues that may also have experienced trauma, as well as entertaining them with his antics."
Ness is Gracie's handler. Ness is a DI on operation Bluestone (RaSSO investigation) and a newly qualified MHFA and OK9 handler.
Ness said: "Gracie and I recently spent a day together in Bristol CID and whilst dogs are not everybody’s cup of tea, the response we had was hugely positive. We were so pleased to see so many smiles and Gracie especially loved the belly rubs. Gracie is a sweet, calm dog, with an independent streak who seems to have a very calming influence."
Mandy James is Nelly's handler. Mandy said: "I have worked for Avon and Somerset Police for over 30 years and most of that time in the fingerprint bureau as a fingerprint expert and identification manager.
"Nelly isn’t my dog but my neighbour's dog who I get to borrow and take out for walks whenever I can. I trained to be a mental health first aider and when we were asked if we had a dog and would be interested in becoming an OK9 handler I immediately thought of Nelly and knew she would be perfect. On her assessment day, I was like a proud mum.
"We have been to a few OK9 wellbeing dates in force with the OK9 van and Nelly was a big hit and definitely helped to get people over for a chat and cuddle. Nelly and I are very keen to get out and about and spread the good feeling that she can bring to someone's day. I have loved the opportunity to meet others and offer support and a listening ear to anyone who needs it via the OK9 and MHFA initiative."
"My name is Emily, I am a special constable. Norman is my OK9 dog and he is so friendly, he just soaks up the attention everywhere we go. He comes with me everywhere and it's true what they say, a dog really is a man’s best friend."
Sidney's handler is Jordan who is a regional fraud protect advisor at the South West ROCU. Jordan said:
"My role is implementing strategic change to reduce fraud and safeguard our forces most vulnerable. Being an OK9 handler is an absolute privilege, mental health support and advocacy is so close to my heart, to be a part of such a wonderfully like-minded team is just incredible.
"Sidney lights up every room he walks into and brings so much joy even on our darkest days."
Woody's handler Natalie Perrett has been an officer with A&S for nine years, currently working within the intelligence department.
Natalie said: "Woody has been a great companion since my injury on duty so I decided to volunteer to be an OK9 handler. I completed a peer support course as I want to help and support others who may be struggling. Policing is a tough job and I think it’s very important we look out for each other.
"Woody is a four-year-old Sprocker, he is a fun and loving dog who loves making new friends. Woody enjoys his role as a wellbeing dog and makes a huge impact on the staff and officers he has contact with and is regularly requested to visit local stations."
Lisa Fisher is Arlo's handler. Lisa said: "I’ve been an officer since 2007, with 13 years spent on response before moving to CID. Arlo is a family dog who is equally happy cuddling up or playing all day. He follows my children around and even goes down slides with them. He’s got a very calm nature and has been known to take himself into the garden to watch fireworks. He was a huge comfort to me when I was unwell.
"Arlo loves being an OK9 dog and gets very excited when I get his vest out. He makes such a difference to the atmosphere in the workplace."
Arlo's handler, Tryst, is a force specialist problem solver, who has responsibility as the problem solving lead for serious violence and knife crime.
Tryst said: "Arlo is one of two dogs we own. He was brought up in the countryside and is used to a wide variety of people and animals (all of whom he thinks are his best friend). Arlo loves a cuddle and a scratch if you can find his best spot. We would love to come and see your teams and so Arlo can make some more best friends. As a handler, I understand the importance of wellbeing support and that we should have a safe and welcoming workplace environment where we can talk and receive support."
Bertie's handler is Nathan Walker, the community safety sergeant for North and West Devon. Nathan and his team have responsibilities in child-centred policing, ASB, mental health, crime prevention, and engagement. He is a peer supporter, and is currently working on increasing awareness of trauma-informed policing.
Nathan said: "Bertie is my brown Cockapoo. He is six years old and is my pet and my wellbeing dog. Bertie is a former Pets As Therapy dog and has previously worked in the mental health services and schools providing welfare visits to adults and young people. Bertie is a happy ball of curls who would love to meet you. We can meet you in the office, outside, or go for a lunchtime walk."
PC Cathy Veale has been an operational officer for 14 years and a wellbeing practitioner since July 2020. Cathy is an advanced TRiM practitioner and team leader, a peer supporter and mental health first aider. She has personal experience of bereavement by suicide and raises awareness around the force with her own journey to break down mental health stigma and to inspire others to seek help when struggling.
Cathy said: "We have undertaken hundreds of engagements from station visits, major incidents, TRiM assessments, walk and talks, briefings, wellbeing inputs and major events such as G7 where we have opened difficult conversations, boosted morale, instigated smiles, and helped to de-stress our colleagues."
Evie's handler, Kev, works for the service as a chaplain and though retired still does odd days as an RLSS Lifeguard at the local pool.
Kev said: "Evie is a rescue dog from Ireland and has always wanted to be loved and pass her love of people back, although shy at first. She enjoys long walks on the coast where we live, swimming, and chasing a ball. Prone to mad moments when she runs flat out and around in circles, but always calms down if offered a treat."
PC Sam Hill has been a response officer for 16 years and a professional development officer within the learning and development unit since April 2020.
Sam is an advanced TRiM practitioner and team leader in West Cornwall. Sam understands the importance of looking out for colleagues, as there is still stigma in relation to opening up, about how officers are coping / feeling after traumatic incidents. "We need to get the message out that it is good to talk, a problem shared is a problem halved."
Mouse is looked after by Marisa Cockfield, force chaplain at Bideford in North Devon and Team Vicar in the Bideford and four villages mission community.
Marisa said: "I’m trained in Mental Health First Aid and ASIST. Mouse is a joy, patient when we stop and chat, very enthusiastic about her station visits, and always happy to play. It is a privilege to serve officers, staff, and families by supporting them with health and wellbeing."
Peggy has two handlers who are married and co-own the dog.
David is a retired dog handler and dog instructor having worked in Devon & Cornwall Police for 29 years. David enjoys working Peggy on a local shoot with her mum Millie, both are wonderful working dogs but also very affectionate and loyal pets. Peggy is two in September and has 19 siblings in total, many of whom are owned by members of the police family.
Katy is a sergeant within the domestic abuse unit where the demand is proving challenging much like many other areas of the force. Peggy's visits to the office provide a much-needed uplift for morale and a break for staff from the screen.
Phoebe Jenkins is Reggie's handler. Phoebe said: I have been part of Dorset Police for nearly two years, working in the internal quality assurance team. My role means I work closely with the new student officers starting their PEQF journey, assessing, gathering feedback, and carrying out observations of the trainers.
"Prior to joining the police, I was a primary school teacher, so I have a passion for education and learning. In my spare time I am also a Cub Scout leader, so thoroughly enjoy the outdoors, which is beneficial when you have an active Labrador."
Rocky's handler is Jenny Michell. She is a PCSO based in Cornwall. Jenny said: "I love being a OK9 handler. The joy that falls across people's faces when they see Rocky is overwhelming. Dogs are the best listeners, the greatest keeper of secrets and the most effective therapy we can get.
"When I needed a hand, I found a paw. I rescued Rocky when he was 10 weeks old. Rocky is a cheeky, playful boy, he makes me laugh every day. He has his own Facebook page where he shares his adventures.
"We spend our time volunteering with the charity Canine Concerns visiting establishments helping people with dementia. We enjoy fun dog shows and mantrailing through scent work. He has many tricks, he can carry out CPR."
Taggart's handler is PC Georgia Shields an operational officer for 25 years in varied roles - response, neighbourhood, and the operational support unit. Georgia is based in Devon on the positive action recruitment team, is a resilience PSU/MOE instructor and a peer supporter.
Georgia said: “Taggart is two years old and is my pet. He will love being a OK9 dog as it will mean getting lots of attention and I have seen the beneficial affect he has on anyone he meets. For me it will be a pleasure and invaluable to help support my colleagues with their health and wellbeing."
Barney's handler is Kim, a retired police officer and support staff member with DPP. Kim said: "Since retiring completely, I fulfilled my dream to own a dog. The late Toby became a Pets As Therapy Dog at an early age. He was followed by Willow, Robyn, Barney, and the latest addition Florrie. The three older dogs are P.A.T Dogs."
Robyn's handler is Kim, a retired police officer and support staff member with DPP. Kim said: "Since retiring completely, I fulfilled my dream to own a dog. The late Toby became a Pets As Therapy Dog at an early age. He was followed by Willow, Robyn, Barney, and the latest addition Florrie. The three older dogs are P.A.T Dogs."
Willow's handler is Kim, a retired police officer and support staff member with DPP. Kim said: "Since retiring completely, I fulfilled my dream to own a dog. The late Toby became a Pets As Therapy Dog at an early age. He was followed by Willow, Robyn, Barney, and the latest addition Florrie. The three older dogs are P.A.T Dogs."
Tania Kirby is Gus's handler. Tania has always been a front line officer and is now an assessor within the tutorship and assessment department, working with student officers. She is also a Federation Representative, predominantly dealing with student officer issues, as well as conduct related matters, post incident procedures and professional development.
Tania said: "It is great seeing the lift and cheer in people’s spirits and attitudes that Gus creates when he goes into the briefing room to meet the teams. He offers that welcome distraction where officers can fuss him and switch off from the intensity of work, even if only for a short time. He would like nothing more than to help people feel better and this role as an OK9 will help him do that."
Keo's handler is Scott Parker who works in ICT.
Scott said: "I am fortunate to have accommodating bosses who let us go to assist the wellbeing team in the OK9 role. I’ve had my own mental health journey and Keo has helped me immensely in my recovery. He was rescued during a force incident, and this is his opportunity to give a bit back to help others. He’s currently the most popular staff member in force."
PS Non Edwards works as a NPT Sgt and brings Nansi into work for every shift.
Non said: "She goes out on patrol with PCSOs and works on community projects and engagements and helps to break down barriers with difficult to reach communities and age groups. She loves working in custody and has made a difference to officers' welfare down in the dungeons when they rarely see daylight during their shift.
"The impact she makes is huge. She runs in each shift and the parade rooms erupt with greetings for her and everyone is happy to see her. She makes officers pause for a moment and step away from heavy workloads and take five minutes to play or stroke her."
Carter's handler is Kaylee Noble. Kaylee said: "I am the wellbeing dog outreach officer at South Wales Police and I cover both South Wales and Gwent with my wellbeing dogs Winnie and Carter.
"We are out daily in stations and communities across South Wales and Gwent, sharing the message of taking time out for wellbeing and giving everyone the amazing opportunity to meet the dogs and experience the difference they can make."
Winnie's handler is Kaylee Noble. Kaylee said: "I am the wellbeing dog outreach officer at South Wales Police and I cover both South Wales and Gwent with my wellbeing dogs Winnie and Carter.
"Being an OK9 handler I feel very supported and believe we are all making a difference in our forces. I think we are only touching the surface of what these amazing dogs can do for us."
Karen Kempton is a PCSO for West Mercia working with the safer neighbourhood team in Evesham. Karen is a Mental Health First Aid England trainer for the force and peer supporter and has a Level 3 Diploma in Bereavement and Trauma Counselling and Mindfulness.
Karen said: "It was such an honour for Beau and I to be chosen for the role of OK9. Beau likes nothing more than ensuring everyone in the room gets cuddles. He loves to be picked up and sitting on your lap. It just makes me smile to see people smile when he enters a room and the difference he can make to someone’s day."
Sgt Pete Frankish is a local policing sergeant with 26 years police service, currently working out of Warndon Police post in Worcester. Pete has several years’ experience in response, public order and front line policing. He is a critical incident de-briefer, blue light peer supporter, mediator with a passion for welfare and wellbeing of staff.
Pete said: "I applied to join the OK9 wellbeing dog scheme with my cocker spaniel Marley to continue and enhance the wellbeing process to help protect our staff from mental health issues and PTSD in the future.
"Since being accepted as an OK9 dog Marls has been busy with visits to the control room where he brought the place to a standstill, to meeting the safer neighbourhood teams, specials, cadets, response shifts and also joined me on many critical incident de-briefs."
Rapha is owned by his handler Kirsti Jackson who has been in the police for 24 years; 21 years in Warwickshire before transferring to West Mercia. Kirsti is a police trainer in the continuous professional development team and enjoys bringing Rapha to work to meet officers/staff across the force.
Kirsti said: "People can not help but smile at Rapha when he walks into a room wagging his tail and smiling at everyone and I just love to see the positive reaction he gets from all."
Toby's handler is Lee. He said: "My day job is a neighbourhood policing inspector. Toby is the most laid-back dog going, he loves meeting people and getting plenty of fuss and attention.
"Toby lifts everyone’s spirits at work and has a massive impact on the effectiveness of critical incident debriefs with colleagues, enabling open discussions about feelings and emotions by being a welcome distraction and creating a relaxing environment. It’s great to be able to do this with him."
Winnie lives with Detective Sergeant Sharon Wallace-Rathmell who works in the vulnerability and safeguarding team as the domestic abuse lead, she has 24 years’ service.
Sharon said: "My wife Tracey and I decided to handle Winnie jointly to allow more flexibility and availability. Tracey is a detective constable in PVP and has 22 years' service.
"Winnie is a natural therapy dog. She is extremely calming and loves having cuddles. She certainly has made a difference on her visits to our colleagues bringing a smile to their faces and allowing them to take time out from their daily tasks."