The Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) welcomes its first facility dog to support people during emergencies

The Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) is pleased to welcome Minnie, a specially trained facility dog whose primary role is to support people during some of their most challenging moments.

Minnie joins CEMA from the Dogs with Wings (DWW) Assistance Dog Society, a not-for-profit organization that trains assistance dogs and places them in a variety of settings throughout Alberta and Western Canada.

As an accredited facility dog, Minnie is trained to stay calm, focused and responsive in high-stress environments, making her a valuable source of support during emergencies and disasters. Depending on the situation, Minnie may provide quiet physical contact, such as resting her face in someone’s hand, sitting close by, or using other grounding behaviours that help reduce stress and provide reassurance.

“During emergencies and disasters, people can experience a wide range of emotions, from stress and anxiety to uncertainty and fear,” said Sue Henry, Chief of CEMA. “Minnie’s role is to provide a sense of calm when people need it most. Even a brief interaction, whether it’s petting Minnie or simply having her sit nearby, can make a meaningful difference for someone going through a difficult experience.”

When CEMA is activated, Minnie will be ready to provide support in a variety of settings. She may be deployed to Reception Centres to offer comfort to people who have been displaced by an emergency, support CEMA members working in the Emergency Operations Centre, and welcome members of Canada Task Force 2 (CAN-TF2) home from a disaster scene.

“Minnie represents the very best of what assistance dogs can offer: comfort, connection and unconditional support”, said Greg Loveday, CEO of Dogs With Wings Assistance Dog Society. “Knowing she will be there for people when they need it most makes us incredibly proud and is at the heart of our mission at Dogs With Wings.”

CEMA joins a growing number of emergency response organizations that recognize the value of specially trained dogs in supporting the well-being of those affected by emergencies and disasters. Whether assisting displaced residents, first responders or personnel returning from disaster scenes, Minnie will help provide comfort and reassurance during challenging situations.

After more than two years of training, Minnie is well-prepared for her new role.

Courtesy: The City of Calgary Newsroom