A Breed Above the Rest

COMMUNITY NEWS A Breed Above the Rest

By Beverly Perkins

Deputy Danielle Quinones and Olivia Watch out Weston, there is a new sheriff in town! Her name is K9 Olivia. This new girl spends her days in schools, independent and assisted living facilities, and around town at all kinds of events. This K9 is needed to enhance interactions with both adults and children; help create rapport; relieve anxiety; improve communication; and reduce stress while supporting both adults and children with social interaction skills, especially those with special needs and at-risk students.

Olivia came from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Paws and Stripes program. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office selects dogs that would make great Therapy K9s, from the Brevard County Animal Shelter. If chosen, the canines go through a 3-month obedience school before attending an intensive therapy dog course.

In September of 2021, Olivia and Deputy Danielle Quinones of Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit in Weston went through the Paw and Stripes College at Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. The dynamic duo completed the United K9s requirements and standards for a Multi-Discipline Therapy K-9 Team and the Law Enforcement Investigative Therapy Dog Course.

“I started to notice how more individuals were struggling in the community, so I started to look into therapy dog programs in other police departments and how they benefited their communities,” explained Deputy Quinones. “The therapy dog program provides comfort, emotional support, and positive interactions for both children and adults, in the communities and schools. Therapy dogs can have an invaluable resource for bridging relationship divides and providing positive alternative methods to communicate with others, especially juveniles.”

Olivia has been a positive mood stabilizer for the students, especially during the pandemic. One of her favorite activities to participate in is “Seniors and Snuggles”, a program for independent and assisted living facilities. She spends her time with the memory care patients, helping them relax, reduce anxiety, lower the feeling of loneliness, and even help recall memories.

“When K9 Olivia interacts with people, she brings such joy and comfort to them. Not only does she have a magic effect on everyone in the community, but she has a dramatic and positive effect on our deputies and employees, as well. She truly puts a smile on everyone’s face,” added Deputy Quinones.