MI Department Has New Firehouse Pup

Feb. 22, 2022
The Lowell Area Fire Department has a new fire station pup to aid firefighters.

The Lowell Area Fire Department added a new member to its roster: a new Golden Retriever that will undergo certification training to become an emotional support dog.

Lowell’s new fire station pup is named "Little Chief" and was initially supposed to be a family dog for Fire Chief Shannon Witherell.

After some research, Witherell decided Little Chief would better serve as a firehouse companion, Fox 17 Online reported.

Multiple studies have shown the benefits of having a dog in the fire station, including lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety, and providing comfort following traumatic events.

The department is working with West Michigan Therapy Dog to get Little Chief his certification as an emotional support dog.

Little Chief regularly posts on the Lowell Area Fire Department's Facebook page and has his own Instagram account.

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