Stella is the RNC’s newest support dog. She’s an 18-week old, Portuguese Water Dog, selected for the breed’s intelligence and behaviour characteristics specific to the support dog role.
She’s named after Stella Burry – a pioneering social worker who the RNC says made an outstanding contribution to her community and the province.
Hello Twitterland, it’s Stella here. I’m the @RNC_PoliceNL 1st Police Support Dog in Newfoundland & Labrador.
I’m so excited to be here living & working on the Rock! Please say “hi” if you see me around ok! 🐾 Stella pic.twitter.com/lfjqVx3EhL
— PSD Stella (@RNC_Stella) July 14, 2020
Stella and her handler, Constable Krista Fagan, will be working with trainer and retired RNC Staff Sergeant, Mike Adams in a community-oriented training program.
Support dogs provide a different level of care, and Stella will receive more training that will equip her with the ability to detect and support people in need.
The star of today’s show, Stella, the RNC’s support service dog, has arrived.
Stella will receive training to detect and support persons in need.@VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/RZXEiZ6VCl
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) July 14, 2020
She’s there for officers, victims and survivors of violence, those struggling with mental health or those who just need some comfort.
Stella will be used in the Justice System in partnership with Victim Services NL to provide reassurance and have a calming effect on victims and witnesses during court procedures.
If you see Stella out around the community, the RNC is encouraging people to introduce themselves, to help familiarize her with the community.
Stella also has a twitter account @RNC_Stella! There will be a swearing in ceremony at some point. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/myHpwlPVzZ
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) July 14, 2020
You can imagine how this pup may be able to help people in time of need. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/jAoN0ytvQV
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) July 14, 2020
