Central dispatch to receive emotional-support dog

St. Joseph County Central Dispatch will soon have its own advocate dog.

During their monthly meeting Tuesday, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved a request from agency director Stacey Bower. The emotional-support dog will live at Central Dispatch and be cared for by its staff.

St. Joseph County United Way has donated $6,500 toward purchase of the dog, which had previously been in training as a veteran’s service dog. It will be on site starting next week after completing temperament training through a company called Magnum K9.

According to the agreement, Central Dispatch employees will be responsible for all expenses related to care of the dog, a poodle.

Bower told commissioners the therapy dog will be a positive addition to employees who often face high levels of stress and burnout.