Durham Tech welcomes Golden Retriever therapy dog to support campus community, mental health
By WTVD Staff
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DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Durham Tech Public Safety Department and campus police welcomed Thursday a new member of the department.
Her name is Zoe, and she’s a golden retriever.
Zoe’s purpose is to support the campus community and help students with mental health issues, Durham Tech Police Chief Jamaal Walker said. She’s coming in as a puppy, so she will grow with them.
“Some of our calls deal with mental health challenges,” he said. “During exams, for instance, we receive a high volume of calls. Zoe will help be a calming presence in these situations.”
Walker said his department want to interact more with students, and Zoe will be a constant companion on campus. Students are encouraged to interact with her.
Zoe’s addition was made possible thanks to a scholarship with K9 Responders Academy, which is based in Charlotte. The scholarship provides a state public safety agency with a therapy dog fully trained by the academy at no cost.
Similar programs have worked well with other agencies nationwide, Walker said.
Durham Police Department welcomed a chocolate lab named Siren last year through the program.
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