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Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs Provides First-Ever Crisis

Care Canine to Naples Police Department;

Max will Assist in Comforting Children and Adult Victims

Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs, a Naples-based non- The Crisis Care Canine Program integrates specially
profit organization with a mission that promotes trained assistance dogs into Critical Incident Stress
independence for combat wounded veterans, first Management (CISM) Peer Support Teams in the
responders and children with life-changing community. These dogs are placed to Law
disabilities through partnerships with skilled Enforcement Officers and EMS personnel who hold
assistance dogs, is proud to announce that it has and/or handle incident control positions.
donated its first-ever dog trained specifically for
crisis care to the Naples Police Department. These highly skilled canines serve as invaluable
companions and sources of comfort, contributing to
The 2-year-old Golden Retriever, named Max, will be the well-being of both adults and children navigating
handled by Master Officer Jeffrey Perry and will traumatic experiences. Dogs work alongside their
assist in comforting children and adults in crisis CISM teammates in comforting victims of trauma,
situations. The Naples Police Department recently assisting in forensic interviews with children,
reactivated its K-9 Unit and Max was officially comforting families in times of loss and grief, calming
turned over to the department during a special individuals in crisis and through community
“Hand-Off” Ceremony held on April 4th at the Ken & partnerships.
Susan Meyer Center for Golden PAWS Assistance
Dogs.

“Max, with his boundless enthusiasm and unwavering
dedication, has completed his training here with
flying colors and he now embarks on a noble mission
to serve the City of Naples alongside his new
partner,” said Kyle Reed, Board Chair for Golden
PAWS Assistance Dogs.

“Together, they will form an inseparable
team offering comfort, solace and support
to those who find themselves in need.”

Founded in 2012, Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs has
trained and provided dozens of highly skilled service
dogs in the local community, always at no cost to
those they serve. Puppies begin their training the
moment they arrive at the training academy at 8
weeks old. Housing, health and nutritional care, and
training continue for a minimum of two years before
successful match and placement.

The Crisis Care Canine Program by Golden
PAWS Assistance Dogs offers support and Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes
companionship to individuals in crisis using the independence for combat wounded veterans, first responders and children with life-
changing disabilities through partnerships with skilled assistance dogs. To learn how you can
bond between humans and dogs. support Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs’ mission or for additional information, please visit
www.GoldenPAWS.org or call 239-775-1660.
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