Fayette County shelter dogs team up with 911 operators

A new program that will pair shelter dogs with emergency dispatchers for the benefit of all has begun in Fayette County.

With consent from the 911 communications officers, dogs from the animal shelter who need some extra socialization will be brought to the emergency dispatch office to interact with the staff and provide stress relief. The arrangement was first suggested last year by Assistant 911 Director Amber Smith, who floated the idea to Animal Control Director Jerry Collins and other county administrators.

The new collaboration, called “Headset Heelers,” already has its first recruit, a female puppy who arrived Feb. 19 and will stay with the 911 officers for a few weeks until she is old enough to be spayed and placed for adoption. County Administrator Steve Rapson said he is “excited about this unique plan and the potential benefits to both departments.”