Advertisement

Station Doggie Dates program helps increase morale of first responders

Click to play video: '‘I saw crews return from difficult calls and clearly this program is making a positive difference’ : WFPS Chief Christian Schmidt reacts to Station Doggie Dates'
‘I saw crews return from difficult calls and clearly this program is making a positive difference’ : WFPS Chief Christian Schmidt reacts to Station Doggie Dates
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services Chief, Christian Schmidt spoke to Global News about a new pilot program that allows dogs like 'Murphy' that are up for adoption to visit with fire crews. For the crew at Station No. 9 Murphy is great company. – Jun 23, 2022

Winnipeg fire and paramedic stations will have a chance to add a furry new crew member.

WFPS and the Winnipeg Animal Services agency are teaming up for the “Station Doggie Dates” program, which gives first responders a chance to host an adoptable dog in the station.

It’s been a pilot project for more than a month at Station 9, and it’s been a hit so far.

“Just wonderful in terms of the benefits these animals bring to the workplace in terms of improving coping mechanisms for folks decreasing stress and overall enhancing morale in the workplace,” said WFPS Chief Christian Schmidt.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Adoptions mark “Doggie Dates” program as wildly successful

Head of the city’s Animal Services Leland Gordon says it’s a win-win and believes it’s the first partnership of its kind in Canada.

Story continues below advertisement

“I’ve also heard from some of the chief’s staff that after a really hard call, it’s nice to come back to the station and have a dog to spend some time with that helps them de-stress after some tough calls,” Gordon said.

The program is an extension of the Doggie Dates program, which lets the public take out an adoptable dog for a day.

The public is not yet able to go hang out with the dogs and firefighters, but Schmidt says it could be an option down the road once the program has been operating for a while.

Sponsored content

AdChoices