A new furry member of the Gresham Police Department was sworn in Tuesday morning. He is not an ordinary K9, but a comfort dog.
Tagg is a two-year-old black lab given by Guide Dogs for the Blind for the purpose of helping others. Tagg, who has undergone guide dog training with Guide Dogs for the Blind, was recently career changed to become a comfort dog. Guide Dogs for the Blind has a nearby campus in Boring, and conducts extensive guide dog training and client education work in the city of Gresham. The organization is thrilled to have the chance to partner with the Gresham Police Department on this special, and heartwarming, initiative to provide a needed service to the Gresham Police Department and greater community. The Gresham Police Department is excited to team up with the nonprofit to fulfill this important community need.
This new program is meant to help citizens as well as officers. Law enforcement officers face highly stressful situations on a daily basis. Studies have shown that having a dog around can lower blood pressure, have a calming effect, and improve cardiovascular health. Tagg will be part of the employee wellness program in the police department. He will also be able to help with victim or witness interviews, can go to non-active high stress police calls, and provide support for or any other situation where he can be of comfort.
Tagg joining the Gresham Police Department has been funded entirely by donations. In addition to the Gresham Police Department’s partnership with Guide Dogs for the Blind, donations from the Gresham Police Officers Association, food from The NUTRO™, and veterinary care from Banfield Pet Hospital® and VCA Animal Hospitals have helped the Gresham Police Department build this program at virtually no cost to the department. "As pet owners and lovers, we know the power of the human-animal bond and are honored to gift Tagg a Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan® to help him stay happy and healthy in his new role," said Dr. Taryn Pestalozzi from Banfield. "We look forward to partnering with the Gresham Police Department on Tagg’s long-term care, and can't wait to see the profound impact he’ll have on the community."
"Officer and employee wellness has become a top priority for us. The donation of this comfort dog will benefit the entire department and we are so grateful for our donors," said Chief Robin Sells. We look forward to everyone meeting Tagg.
If you wish to donate to Tagg’s future expenses, go to
https://greshamoregon.gov/Pay-Your-Bill-Online/#SponsorshipsandDonations