CAMPBELL Ainsley is the county’s first police therapy dog
The Campbell Police Department got an early C hr istma s present in the form of Ainsley, an 8-week-old Bernedoodle who joined the department as the first therapy dog of its K9 program.
Ainsley, named after an historic Campbell family, is also the first therapy dog working for a law enforcement agency in Santa Clara County. She is partnered with records specialist Melissa Acosta, and they both began training upon Ainsley’s arrival Dec. 10.
According to Campbell police, therapy dogs are meticulously trained to help calm heightened emotions and stressful situations. Much of Ainsley’s training at this early stage will consist of acclimating to her new home and handler.
While Campbell police have been looking to add a therapy dog to the department’s K9 program for several years, the added stressors of the pandemic and racial unrest have made Ainsley a particularly welcome addition. The department is looking to the pooch to help reduce anxiety among employees, victims and witnesses in the wake of traumatic incidents, and to be its furry ambassador.
“As an agency that embraces community engagement, we believe K9 Ainsley will be a beneficial tool for establishing stronger relationships with our diverse population,” Police Chief Gary Berg said in a statement. “K9 Ainsley will be able to serve our community in a multitude of ways by supporting our staff, comforting victims and witnesses, visiting schools and much more.”
Ainsley comes to the department by way of the Campbell Police Foundation, which donated funds to purchase her and for the initial therapy dog certification training.