KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Millie, a therapy dog, is the newest addition to the Kannapolis Police Department's roster.
The four-month-old Bernedoodle was donated to the department by Taylor Wise.
“When the recent tragic event in Charlotte happened and four law enforcement officers lost their lives, my family and I wanted to do something to help officers in our region and show our appreciation for everything they do every day for all of us,” said Taylor Wise, who is the owner of Dunkin Doodles in Waxhaw.
Wise donated Millie's sister, Phoebe, to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
"We felt like this was their purpose – to be therapy dogs for law enforcement,” Wise said.
Millie and her handler, Lt. Justin Smith, are beginning an eight-week AKC Certified Therapy Dog training course this month. The department said Millie will then accompany Lt. Smith to the police department and be available for any member of the police department for support during difficult times, or simply to help ease daily stress.
“Millie has already made a difference in our department. She is helping us deal with the trauma of the difficult things we see every day. When they see her, our officers start to relax and smile. She is an uplifting part of our day,” Kannapolis Police Chief Terry Spry said.
Once Millie completes her training, she will be seen at community events and around City Hall serving as a therapy dog for other city staff.
“We are very appreciative of Taylor’s gift of Millie to us. This gift of Millie and her connection to our officers will play a significant role in ensuring we look after the mental health of our officers and our community,” Spry said.