MFD therapy dog Charlie B invited to attend Ohio K9 therapy school

CharlieB a comfort to first responders and community

Two years after being placed with the City of Miramichi’s Fire Department by the organization, Canine Therapy for First Responders, therapy dog, Charlie B has been invited to attend the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Therapy K9 School in Columbus, Ohio in the fall of 2022. 

Charlie B is the second dog in Canada to receive this invitation to attend this elite certification program. This invitation will give Charlie B K9 working access rights across North America inside of Justice and Law Enforcement agencies, in addition to fire facilities. 

The firefighter’s union, Miramichi IAFF 5087 trained Charlie B making them the first IAFF (International Association of Firefighters) in North America who will have successfully trained their own facility dog through to certification status within Canada.

Charlie B has provided support to first responders, families and has visited local daycares, schools and senior residences. 

About Charlie B K9:

Charlie B K9 was born August 5, 2019, in St. Stephen, NB, bred by Atlantic Coast Labradors. He was puppy raised in Saint John. Charlie B K9 is named in honour of former Saint John Police Chief Charlie Breen. 

During his puppy raising days, Charlie B worked and supported hundreds of thousands of First Responders across New Brunswick. His first role was inside of the Saint John Law Courts building providing comfort and emotional support to the many employees within the Law Courts. Charlie B worked with the victim services team supporting staff and clients, he worked with the Sheriffs as well as roamed throughout the facility to offer his comfort to others.

Charlie B was placed with the Miramichi Fire Department in September 2020.

About Canine Therapy for First Responders (CTFFR Atlantic):

Canine Therapy for First Responders (CTFFR Atlantic) is a registered New Brunswick non-profit that was created by First Responders, and Friends/Family Members in honour of Fredericton Police Force’s Constable Robb Costello and Constable Sara Burns. Our mission is to provide Atlantic Canada’s First Responders with Certified Facility Dogs and Certified Service dogs for FREE. Understanding one size does not fit all when it comes to this highly stressful industry, CTFFR offer supportive mental health programs and partner programs via their Mental Health Advisory panel.