‘Paw’some Contributions: Celebrating Pets in Cities, Towns and Villages

“Hank the HR dog is one of a number of participants in Team RC’s “City Hound” program that allows employees to bring their dogs to work with them. Hank gets more visitors than I do in HR, and his downward-facing dog yoga poses are legendary.

Our City Hound program has been in place since 2018. Like our “Baby on Board” program, which allows parents to bring their babies to work until they begin to crawl, it is a great recruitment and retention tool for the organization.”

Robert Neiuber, Director of Human Resources
Rancho Cucamonga, California

“K9 Rowan is more than just a friendly face—she is a source of comfort and calm for the City of Lawrenceville Police Department and the community. As the department’s first community wellness dog, this nine-month-old Goldendoodle is training to support officers and residents in times of stress and trauma under the care of her handler, Officer Quolettea Cole.

Rowan’s primary role is to provide emotional support where it’s needed most. Whether leaning against someone for reassurance, resting her head on a knee, or simply being present, she instinctively brings a sense of peace. While she works closely with officers who face difficult situations, her impact extends beyond the department. She regularly visits senior centers, schools, and community spaces, quickly becoming a beloved figure wherever she goes.

Her journey began with Tails of Hope, a nonprofit that provides ADA-compliant service dogs to veterans, first responders, and individuals with special needs. Rowan continues her training one weekend a month, learning techniques to connect with people in meaningful ways. Though still young, she is already skilled at easing stress through grounding gestures, pressing her weight against a person’s leg, sitting on their feet, or simply offering quiet support.

In a profession where officers often face high-stress situations, Rowan provides a way to decompress. She also fosters positive connections between law enforcement and the public through her visits to community events and local organizations. With her soft, curly red coat and gentle demeanor, she draws people in, but it’s her ability to bring comfort that makes her truly special.

With Officer Cole by her side, Rowan has already made a lasting impact, offering steady support to those in need. Whether standing by an officer after a difficult call, comforting a child, or simply being a calm presence, she is changing lives—one gentle nudge at a time.”

Alaina Tullis, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
City of Lawrenceville, Georgia

“Chesterfield is the City Manager’s dog, but his role is the unofficial Chief Morale Officer. He works very hard at City Hall to ensure all city staff are happy. He also enjoys making his daily rounds and collecting his treats. He may not come into the office daily, but when he is here, we all benefit from his friendly face.”

Rebekah McCurdy, Assistant Director of Finance
City of Ottowa, Kansas

“Haven is a Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) K9 serving as part of the Overland Park Police Department’s Peer Support Program. She works alongside the Overland Park Crisis Action Team (OPCAT), with the primary mission of supporting police officers during times of crisis and helping to reduce cumulative stress among officers and staff on a daily basis.

In addition to her role within the department, Haven also responds to calls for service and participates in community outreach efforts through the OPCAT unit.

What sets Haven apart is her specialized training and natural approachability. She is one of only a few K9s working to detect cortisol—the hormone associated with the body’s stress response. In this way, she is quite literally a “trauma-seeking” police K9. Haven wears a “Police” patch on one side of her harness and a “Pet Me” patch on the other, inviting connection and interaction everywhere she goes.

In just over two years of service, Haven has positively interacted with more than 9,000 citizens through physical contact. Helping to break down barriers between the public and law enforcement, especially when it comes to interacting with a police K9, Haven is well known around the entire Kansas City Metro area and beyond.

Haven’s story is as inspiring as her work. Originally rescued by Lone Star Labs in Dallas, Texas, she was later donated to the Overland Park Police Department by K9s for Freedom and Independence. Her journey from being “given up on” to becoming a trusted and beloved figure in crisis response resonates deeply. Her impact resonates particularly with youth, when her handler, Sgt. Brought, shares her story. Once told she “wasn’t good enough,” Haven now plays a vital role in helping others heal during moments of crisis and trauma.”

Stewart Brought, Crisis Action Team Lead
Overland Park, Kansas

“Sully is a Comfort Canine for the City of Tempe, Community Health and Human Services Department. Sully specializes in working with victims of crime at the Tempe Family Advocacy Center. Sully’s role is to provide support and comfort to individuals who have experienced trauma due to victimization.”

Anastasia Stinchfield, CARE 7 Victim Services Coordinator
Tempe, Arizona