Crisis Canine Program

Meet Penny

The Ames Police Department launched the Crisis Canine Program to enhance officer wellness, improve crisis response, and strengthen community engagement. Our Crisis Canine, Penny, joined the department over the summer. Her main role is to provide comfort and emotional support to officers, victims, and community members during and after traumatic events.

You will see her offering a calming presence to:

Victims and community members impacted by difficult situations.
Officers during and after stressful or traumatic events.
Visitors to the station, making the environment feel more approachable and welcoming.

Training and Graduation

Penny and her handler, Sgt. Amber Christian, are currently hard at work completing specialized training at Team K9 Academy. This intensive program focuses on crucial skills, including:

Obedience and public access manners.
Specialized tasks to recognize and respond to emotional distress.

Penny will be officially badged and in full service at the end of October following her graduation!

Penny in the Community

Once fully certified, Penny will be an integral part of the department’s daily operations and will act as a valuable bridge between law enforcement and the public.

Expect to see Penny and Sgt. Christian actively involved in:

Officer briefings and departmental activities.
Various community events.
Providing a calming presence during challenging calls for service.

Support

Donations to the Crisis Canine Program cover costs for training, equipment, and care such as veterinary and grooming. To donate, click the button below and select the Crisis Canine option.

Donate today!