By FireRescue1 Staff
TOLEDO, Ohio — Firefighters in Ohio welcomed a new four-legged member of their department this month.
Smokey, the department’s first therapy dog, works at the station to lower stress levels and provide emotional support to firefighters.
“He is the most laid-back, docile, cool dog in the world,” firefighter Rachel Doran, who helped set up the pilot program, said. “He bring a lot of joy and smiles to all of us. It is impossible to be in a bad mood when Smokey is around!”
Smokey became a member of the department after his owner died of cancer and was rescued from a kill shelter in Arizona, reported ABC. The canine was matched with the Toledo Fire Department by Tracy Spader, who runs K9 Defender Fund, a nonprofit that helps fire, military and police dogs.
“He just happened to be named Smokey already,” Spader said. “When I heard that, I thought this has got to work, it was meant to be!”
Smokey goes home with Doran every few days to take a break from the station. “He also gets to be with other dogs and get some time off to himself,” Doran said.
Unfortunately, Smokey has Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever; so far, his treatment has been paid for by donations and firefighters.
“We are draining out personal accounts a bit right now with all the vet bills. Any donation would be greatly appreciated,” Doran said. “As much as he was meant to be there for us, we were meant to be there for him too.”
To donate, click here.