Page 128 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2019

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI
comfort canine
THERAPY DOG OFFERS COMFORT TO SOUTH MISSISSIPPI
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
photos by Donn Hupp and courtesy of American Medical Response
Tucker and his handler Charles Wise.
American Medical Response
12020 Intraplex Pkwy, Gulfport, MS 39503 228.897.1191 www.amr.net/MISS
In June 2016, American Medical Response’s (AMR) Amarillo, Texas location began the company’s pilot program for therapy dogs. The first furry members of the AMR team proved their worth after their first deployment following the mass-shooting that took place at a music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. After seeing the comfort
that the two dogs, Saydee and Bodhi, brought to victims, AMR expanded its team of therapy animals.
“The program requires that all therapy dogs be standard-size, hypoallergenic breeds,” says AMR Deputy EMS Chief Charles Wise, NP. “This is so that we can visit nursing homes and schools without fear of causing allergic responses.”
Wise is the handler of South Mississippi’s own therapy dog, 9-month-old Tucker, a Goldendoodle. Tucker joined the therapy dog program in December 2018 and is currently in training. Once training is completed, Tucker and Wise will also deploy to national disasters like Saydee and Bodhi.
“Additions to the program always begin with puppies as they are more susceptible to training,” says Wise. “The dogs are trained to work higher levels of therapy dog encounters. Basic obedience
training and exposure training are
key factors addressed, and safeguard the dog’s prospects of passing the evaluations and becoming a successful Certified Therapy Dog.”
AMR’s therapy dogs are not only
used to provide comfort to victims of traumatic events, but first responders as well.
“There are a lot of PTSD cases in the industry,” says Julia Clarke, director of business development & government relations. “The suicide rates among first responders are some of the highest. Having these therapy dogs for our employees has made such a difference; it’s remarkable to see how people have responded to his presence.”
While Tucker has not yet completed his training, he has already made an impact. Following the death of Biloxi Police Officer Robert McKeithen, Tucker was requested to visit the Biloxi Police dispatch center to help relieve the heartbroken team.
“He’s already helping a lot of people, and I know he’s going to be a great asset to the people of South Mississippi,” said Wise. “I’ve seen the relief in people’s eyes for myself.”
128 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2019
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Heroes