Kinston police therapy dog program focuses on officer wellness
The Kinston Police Department has welcomed a new member to the force — a therapy puppy donated by a local family, part of a growing wellness initiative designed to support officer and staff mental health.
The idea for a department therapy dog was first introduced by Chief Keith Goyette several years ago, but at the time, the department wasn’t ready to move forward with the concept. About a year ago, the conversation resurfaced after a staff member attended a media and public relations training in Ocean City, Maryland. During the class, the instructor brought a certified therapy dog who remained present all day — offering a real-time example of how a dog could support a professional environment.
That experience was brought back to Chief Goyette, who asked Sergeant Brian Biggins to gather more information. “Chief Goyette shared the concept with our wellness committee, and from there it started to grow,” said Sgt. Biggins. “The North Carolina Police Dog Association even volunteered to help with training and certification.”
The program is designed to support both sworn and civilian staff facing professional or personal stress. “Sometimes someone’s going through something and they don’t want to talk about it,” Biggins said. “They just need a few quiet minutes, and the therapy dog provides that outlet.”
The puppy, an Aussiedoodle named Grainger born May 10, is not yet certified. “Last night was his first night with me,” Biggins said. “I have a six-year-old and a thirteen-year-old, and I was surprised by how quickly they connected. I was especially impressed that the dog was calm and responsive with the younger one.”
The North Carolina Police Dog Association has a certified trainer working with the department. Once house training and basic socialization are complete, the dog will begin obedience training. The long-term goal is to complete the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification — a prerequisite for many therapy dog roles.
The puppy was donated by William and Erin Stanley of Kinston. The Stanleys aren’t professional breeders but occasionally raise Aussiedoodle litters. Angela Williams, the chief’s administrative assistant, connected the department with the family. After a home check, the Stanleys offered a hypoallergenic puppy at no cost to the department.
“The dog was a perfect fit for what we were looking for — and it didn’t cost the department a thing,” Biggins said.
Biggins says the bond between him, his family, and Kinston officers is already forming. “This is about building a healthier work environment,” he said. “And sometimes that starts with something as simple as a dog.”
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