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Therapy dog joins Charlotte Fire Department

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Fire Department’s newest member, a purebred English cream golden retriever, has a special job. Lady Katherine, or “Cat” for short, will assist the department with its public education programs and help her fellow firefighters reduce stress.

Earlier this month, the department established a self-funded K-9 Program, and Cat is its first therapy canine.

The pup was chosen for and donated to the Charlotte Fire Department by a member of K-9 Caring Angels Therapy Dogs in Manassas, Virginia. The organization has successfully placed more than a dozen therapy canines in fire departments throughout the country.

Fire and Life Safety Educator Rick Dunton will serve as her primary handler.

Dunton and Cat’s training will continue over the next year, with the goal of becoming a certified therapy team.

You can follow their progress on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Charlotte Fire Department’s K-9 Program is funded by donations from individuals and businesses in the community. No taxpayer money is used to help support the program. If you’d like to make a donation, go to firepreventionfoundationofcharlotte.com. Be sure to type “K-9 Program” in the area designated for special instructions.