A Modern-Day Superhero Karen Sturtevant

Karen Sturtevant

There is no debate that 2021 was a challenging year with rising covid cases, understaffed healthcare facilities and the looming dark cloud of uncertainty. In an alternate world, a superhero would be on call. With a click of the mouse or a push of a button, this larger-than-life entity would swoop in to take care of all complications and obstacles paving the way to wellbeing and contentment. Isn’t it a shame that superheroes exist only comic books? Or do they?

Perhaps, just perhaps, we have one walking among us. I happen to know a real-life hero who doesn’t wear a cape. His costume of choice is a black and green vest. His nose is often wet while his tongue lolls from his mouth. He trots rather than flies. Instead of super strength and mind control, this hero gives kisses—sloppy ones.

Meet the modern-day superhero: K9 Duke! Duke is the Williston Police Department’s comfort dog—the first in Vermont. Duke began his law enforcement career in the spring of 2020. Now, with two-years under his collar, he’s a honed professional doing what he does naturally: offering a calming reassurance to those he meets.

The official functions of a comfort dog include providing interaction during situations involving children and adults impacted by violence, tragedy or traumatic events. The presence of a comfort dog reduces anxiety while increasing communication between victims, witnesses and investigators.

In addition to visiting schools, attending community events and taking part in first responder meetings, Duke found the time to be featured in his own children’s book. K9 Duke The Comfort Dog is a delightful look at a day in the line Spring 2022 of duty for Duke and his handler, Officer Matt Cohen. Written for children in a way they can understand and appreciate, it was launched in December 2021 at Guy’s Farm and Yard in Williston. The inventory sold out within two hours. It was clear from the reception; Duke had reached celebrity status.

Total Deployments: 119 • Schools: 11 • Community Events: 80 • Emergency Responses: 28

Achievements • Therapy Dog Certification • Police Therapy Dog Training at FSCO

Therapy K9, Columbus, OH • Completed Therapy Dog Class at Gold

Star Dog Training, Fairfax, VT • AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen

Certification

Community Building • Launched K9 Duke Stuffie Program • Introduced K9 Duke The Comfort

Dog book • Joined the Vermont Police Canine

Association • Participated in The Green Mountain

Iron Dog Competition

Officer Cohen and K9 Duke are regulars on social media (@k9dukevt). Duke’s social media pages shares his antics and goofy side in hopes of brightening up people’s day, even from one thousand miles away. What is not shared on social media is the impact that Dukes makes to those he helps in person. Officer Cohen highlighted four cases from 2021 as part of showing how Duke has come to the rescue. Untold Good Deeds • K9 Duke was used with witnesses and individuals who rendered aid to a drowning victim. These witnesses administered CPR and an AED prior to first responders arriving on scene. Duke provided all parties with comfort after lifesaving techniques were unsuccessful. • During an interview at The Department of Children and Family Services regarding a suspected abuse case, K9 Duke provided company for the children being questioned. • K9 Duke was able to give support to a person who was attempting to commit suicide. Duke stayed with the individual until transportation to the emergency room was arranged. • During an interview with an assault victim and their family members, K9 Duke offered companionship and facilitated communication.

Duke will continue his mission of helping people with his sweet demeanor, his natural gift of tender reassurance. Officer Matt Cohen is dedicated to the comfort dog program, offering the services of this super canine to their home base and surrounding communities.

Books are available at the Williston Police Station and in softcover and Kindle online at Amazon.com. The comfort dog program is supported entirely by donations, including all profits from sales of the book. For information on the good work of the comfort dog team, visit Duke’s Facebook or Instagram pages.

Duke, the public figure, is recognized wherever he goes. The fame isn’t changing him. The endless complements won’t give him a swollen head. (It’s big enough already!) He’s modest down to his big paws. Duke offers gifts that stay with the recipient long after he’s left to begin his next mission of comfort. Isn’t that a lovely way to counteract the dark times? Duke and Officer Cohen are poised for whatever comes next. A second book? A movie? The Nobel Peace Prize? They sky’s the limit for this special dog.