Say ‘hello’ to the OK9 wellbeing and trauma support dogs and their handlers in police forces in the South East of England.
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.
Baloo's handler is Mandy Chapman, a retired Met Police dog handler who works as a volunteer with Essex Police.
Cassie and Claude are ready to walk and play 24/7. Cassie is the quieter of the two dogs, more gentle and softer in nature. Claude is more like a teenage boy, into everything and not aware of personal boundaries as he sits on your lap.
As a double act, they love chasing each other. Cassie is faster than Claude and normally has no trouble catching him after which a friendly bundle normally ensues.
Cassie and Claude are ready to walk and play 24/7. Cassie is the quieter of the two dogs, more gentle and softer in nature. Claude is more like a teenage boy, into everything and not aware of personal boundaries as he sits on your lap.
As a double act, they love chasing each other. Cassie is faster than Claude and normally has no trouble catching him after which a friendly bundle normally ensues.
Rex's handler is Mandy Chapman, a retired Met Police dog handler who works as a volunteer with Essex Police.
Daisy lives on the Isle of Wight with her handler who is a police chaplain. Whether it's an early shift briefing, late evening visit, or quiet one-to-one, she knows she is guaranteed a biscuit treat and lots of attention, whilst giving whoever she meets the chance to switch off from the pressure of their work.
Alex Thompson is a wellbeing support caseworker at Hampshire Constabulary. Working with officers/staff with complex and long-term conditions and supporting long-term sickness cases. She remains a registered occupational therapist with previous roles specialising in mental health hospitals.
Alex said: “I love being an OK9 handler. What is better than your main colleague being your own dog? The difference Merlin makes to others and just changes the vibe of a working environment - amazing. We haven’t had any negative feedback, just even more requests.”
PC Neil Nancarrow is Mia's handler. Neil said: "My wife Kate suggested we enrol Mia as a wellbeing dog, and we both now cover wellbeing visits with Mia, across Hampshire. Mia is a very caring and affectionate dog who craves attention.
"I have seen so much positivity from everyone she sees, the feedback has been amazing. Turning up on Christmas day to the control room was fantastic. The support from my line managers has also been brilliant allowing me to take Mia into work to support officers and staff. It is a privilege to be able to support OK9."
"My name is Peter MacPherson. I am a volunteer police chaplain for Hampshire as well as being Molly’s handler. It’s a privilege to be able to share Molly as a wellbeing dog. Her visits are always well received and she regularly makes a difference to those that she meets enabling some worthwhile 'wellbeing' moments."
"My name is Peter MacPherson, I am a volunteer police chaplain for Hampshire as well as being Rocco’s handler. It’s great to be able to share Rocco as a wellbeing dog. He has just completed his assessment after following in Molly’s footsteps for the past few months. We re-homed Rocco in Nov 21. Whilst he is only just starting to make visits they are always well received and he is clearly learning quickly from Molly."
Toby has just become a wellbeing and trauma dog. His owner and handler is Bob Stafford from contact management. Bob and his family rehomed him when he was 18 months old during the pandemic lockdown when Bob’s wife was also dealing with trauma. Bob said: "Toby excelled in this role which is why he loves being an OK9 dog and we both feel privileged to be able to help when the need arises."
Sharn Eagar is Honey's owner. Sharn said: "Honey was bred by the Metropolitan Police Service and sold to Kent Police with a view to her becoming a working police dog. She, unfortunately, did not quite make the standard for this and as a former Kent Police puppy walker, I was asked if I wished to take her on full-time as my own pet dog. I couldn’t refuse and so in April 2017, I took ownership of her.
"I have an excellent understanding from first hand experience of the problems and issues that serving police officers and police staff encounter during their working and personal lives and when approached to become involved in the wellbeing dog programme leapt at the chance to help."
Benson belongs to Anna and Tom, who work for Northants Police. Anna said: “Benson really has brought us so much love and happiness through some very dark times, which is why I know he will help to lift the spirits of those in our force who have to deal with the most horrific things every day and I’m so glad we can be a part of that. People with dogs always say they are a member of the family, but you never truly understand that until you have one.”
Buster's owner, Superintendent Emily Vernon said: “When he is around, the atmosphere immediately changes, with people keen to interact with him which in turn reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.
"Wellbeing is incredibly important in the workplace and particularly so after the challenges of COVID-19, and it is heart-warming to see the positive impact Buster is already having on everyone around him.”
Cooper’s handler is Chris Howard, he said: “We rehomed Cooper six years ago now, and he is the most amazing addition to our family. He is constantly happy, and people often comment on his 'smile'. I wanted to share some of his love with others in the hope it helps with other people’s wellbeing and brings them just as much joy as he does to his family.”
Carol has worked for Northants Police since 1995 mainly in the identification unit.
Carol said: "We re-homed Honey in 2019 and really struck gold. She has an amazing temperament and character and is so suited to being a wellbeing and trauma dog. The few visits we have done so far she has really turned heads – literally – and brought offices to a standstill. People’s hard exteriors just melt and they start chatting, completely at ease."
Molly’s handler is Alice Copley. Alice said, “I was keen to get involved with the OK9 scheme because one of my strengths is engaging with people in the workplace during difficult times and supporting them in a peer or supervisory capacity.
"Molly has such an adorable personality and is loved by so many people that meet her. So when the opportunity to combine these two elements arose, I felt that we could contribute to the workplace in this way.”
"My name is Becky Davis and I’m a neighbourhood officer within Northants Police. I volunteer as an OK9 handler as I love to see the joy a little furry face brings to people. I know personally how much a pet can improve your mood and mental health so wanted others to feel the benefit. Ottie loves meeting new people and all the fuss she receives."
"I’m Rhiannan Turner and I work in the citizens in policing team for Northamptonshire. Being an 0K9 handler is fantastic, Ronnie has such a loving nature it's perfect for him.
"It’s great to see how happy the staff are when he walks in, you can see the difference in people, and they often don’t want him to leave. It’s a great break for people and offers a moment to relax, Ronnie loves it too."
"I am Tanya, Theodore's handler. In my day job, I am front counter supervisor for Norpol and have 16 staff based at six stations. Theodore is five now and we have had him since a baby floofball of 16 weeks.
"He brings smiles to people's faces wherever we go. Having suffered with depression for over 20 years, I wanted my story to help others and as Theodore has helped me, I know he can help them too."
Amber Kingshott is Beau's handler. Amber is a mobile development manager at Surrey Police and is passionate about mental health and supporting her colleagues. She has been a mental health first aider for about seven years and was previously the secretary of a staff wellbeing network.
Amber said: "Beau is a very affectionate dog. I am so proud that he is part of OK9 ad can play his part in providing support to the police family."
Angela MacSharry is the force mental health advisor at Surrey Police and a special constable.
Angela said: "In my day job I deal with the operational side of policing in relation to 136’s and any mental health jobs that may need reviewing. I regularly attend briefings to support our officers around mental health incidents and deliver training to teams around the subject matter.
"Captain Monty has been a very big hit with teams he has visited and has been asked to come back several times! He comes with me when I carry out my day job and so gets to visit lots of teams. Seeing the smile he brings to people’s faces is fabulous."
Evie's handler is Insp Jackie Brock. "I am currently working as a PACE custody inspector at Salfords Custody Suite in Surrey. I have 27 years service with the last 15 years as an Inspector. I am and have been a detective inspector, (SIO) CID/public protection, response inspector, and borough commander.
"As an OK9 dog handler, I enjoy helping and supporting colleagues with the challenges of working in the police and when appropriate signposting them to internal and external support networks.
"Evie is a seven-year-old black lab who is extremely intelligent, docile, and affectionate. She enjoys nothing more than a game of fetch or having a quiet cuddle and enjoys meeting people."
Ki is handled by PC Sean Burridge and is owned by Sean’s parents. Sean has been responsible for setting up and launching the wellbeing dog scheme in Surrey. He has been a constable for 22 years, he has served on both response and dog section and is now the wellbeing consultant for Surrey and Sussex Police.
Harley's handler is Paul Gray. Paul said: "I am an intelligence development officer who has over 40 years with Sussex Police. With my vetting level, I can take Harley into offices where it might not be appropriate for others to go.
"Harley is a young Cockerpoo who just loves to meet people and get attention. When I take her into offices, I am still amazed at how the atmosphere changes and becomes more upbeat."
Ed Ripley is a chief inspector within the force contact centre and manages around 500 people. Ed said: "Aside from the demands of general business there can be some very challenging moments, especially when someone manages a response to a traumatic incident or may have been verbally abused over the phone.
"Harley will naturally go to people who need him, indicating that he would like a cuddle by placing his paw on their lap. Harley’s presence within the centre has been well received and there is a noticeable positive difference all round when he is in the centre.
"I’m a new OK9 handler and it’s already very rewarding, not only because of the support that I can provide to people through the scheme, but also because I enjoy seeing Harley work his magic."
Eddie’s handler is T/Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges who is currently the divisional commander for West Sussex Division and professional lead for response policing for the force. Howard has 26 years’ service with Sussex Police.
Howard and Eddie are a new Oscar Kilo wellbeing dog team and are looking forward to supporting officers and staff across Sussex during incidents, events, and on a daily business during day-to-day duties.
Loki’s handler, Lauren Buck is a neighbourhood sergeant on East Sussex division. Lauren is aware of the morale-boosting impacts of the wellbeing dogs, having seen the positive work done by Stanley.
Lauren said: "Loki is such a joy to be around, and watching him interact and bring joy to officers even on the toughest of days goes to show the real benefit he will bring."
Luther’s handler is Jessica Issacs, a senior healthcare professional working in custody. Jessica said, "Mental health and wellbeing has always been a deep-rooted passion of mine, and seeing the smiles when Luther comes into custody or other departments is absolutely amazing. He creates a welcome distraction for detainees and boosts team morale for the staff."
Maui’s handler, Jo, is a DCI on West Sussex Division. When Maui went out for his first walks, Jo noticed that people no longer looked down at the ground when walking by, they stopped for conversation, smiled, and would give Maui a good fuss – which he loved.
Jo really noticed the positive difference Maui made to those he met and being passionate about wellbeing decided to make it their mission to support more officers and staff through difficult times across Sussex by joining OK9.
Milo’s handler is Chief Inspector Di Lewis, who is passionate about the welfare of her staff. She chairs the mental health working group for Surrey and Sussex Police. Together they support and make a difference to the wellbeing of officers and staff across the force.
Nelly lives in Eastbourne with her handler who is a police inspector on the neighbourhood team. Together they visit officers and staff at Hammonds Drive, taking time to pop in to give whoever she meets the chance to switch off in that moment from the pressures of work. She knows she is guaranteed a cuddle and on occasion a little treat.
Rocky’s handler is Custody Inspector Jason Wilson who is passionate about custody and improving facilities for staff and detainees. Introducing Rocky as a custody doggo was the start of an ongoing journey to introduce new and innovative ideas into custody in order for staff to be better equipped to deal with the wide-ranging demands of the role.
PC Daren Buck is Stanley’s handler, he is a PC on East Sussex Division. Daren is a mental health first aider and is passionate about the wellbeing of the staff in Sussex, as he has suffered from mental health issues himself. Darren said: “Sometimes it’s difficult to talk about things, Stanley creates a distraction allowing people to open up and talk about their issues.”
Stanley’s handler is Response Inspector Ollie Pullen. Ollie said: “I’ve been a police officer for 15 years and the vast majority of my career has been on a response. It’s fair to say that the welfare and wellbeing support which is now available to officers and staff is unrecognisable to what was available when I first joined.
"I’ve watched as the OK9 family has grown in Sussex and I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the dogs can have on wellbeing. Stanley, being a Labrador, absolutely loves people which made the decision to enrol him as wellbeing dog very easy. We are both looking forward to providing help and support to our colleagues.”
Dylan’s handler is Catherine Parfitt. Catherine said: “Dylan wants to love and be loved – he is a quiet soul after initial ‘Tigger’ style introductions. He is kind and lifts spirits instantly. Dylan is inclusive and will greet everyone with unconditional kindness.
"Dylan is going to be a fantastic addition to the TVP wellbeing dog team as well as the wider national Oscar Kilo 9 network. He is still young so we hope he can have a long service with TVP – let’s hope he can receive a good conduct medal at the end (he is a spaniel so this is not guaranteed.)”
Henley's handler is Jacky Madden, welfare officer for Thames Valley Police. Jacky said: "My role is a very privileged role as I offer a confidential help and support service for officers and staff at TVP. I am a good listener, empathetic and caring. Since launching the TVP wellbeing dog in 2018, we have been very successful and have now increased the TVP WBD’s provision to two additional handlers and three additional dogs working with Henley and myself.
"Being an OK9 handler is such a fantastic addition to my role in welfare, we provide such a unique service to TVP and it is very successful and popular. Henley has made such a difference to officers and staff in TVP; feedback is fabulous and our bookings and visits are still very popular four years on. Henley can light up a room just by walking in. Henley immediately puts smiles on people’s faces and we are always invited back and re-booked."
Catherine Parfitt is also Luis’ handler. Catherine said: “Luis is an amazing dog, he has the unique ability to know when someone needs a cuddle, company, or just a shoulder.
"On one occasion he ran off (not like him) and was found sometime later a street away with a lady who had collapsed on the floor – he waited until human help arrived. We have no idea how he knew – incredible.
"Luis accompanies people to services/funerals if they do not want to go alone. He will comfort a child or adult in any situation. He has worked with people with PTSD, diabetes and assisted with a loneliness scheme during the covid pandemic.”
Snoopy’s handler is Alice Broad. Alice said: “In my role as a detective inspector and a police officer for almost 18 years, I am very aware of the stresses and strains working in the police and emergency services can give.
"I work closely with the welfare and OHU departments as a welfare bronze, ensuring all available support is given to officers and staff during traumatic and difficult times. As well as a very much-loved part of my family, Snoopy has been working as a Pets as Therapy dog for a number of years.”