Accredited Facility Dogs Supporting Healing
How Dogs With Wings Accredited Facility Dogs provide calm, connection, and support in difficult moments.
Support When Words Are Hard to Find
Accredited Facility Dogs can play an important role in moments when people need calm, comfort, and a steady presence.
Dogs With Wings Accredited Facility Dogs support children, youth, professionals, and community partners in settings such as child advocacy centres, police services, hospitals, schools, and other care environments.
This story highlights two examples of that impact: DWW Zoom at Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre and DWW Kourt with Lethbridge Police Service.
DWW Zoom at Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre
Healing can begin in quiet but powerful moments — when a child feels safe enough to share their story and begin moving forward.
Oliver was one of those children.
Sitting in an unfamiliar room at Luna, surrounded by caring but unfamiliar faces, Oliver was asked to speak about something painful and deeply personal. Like many children Luna supports, finding the words felt difficult.
But Oliver did not face that moment alone.
By his side was DWW Zoom, one of Luna's specially trained Facility Service Dogs. As Oliver sat with a member of the Calgary Police Service Child Abuse Unit, DWW Zoom stayed close, offering calm comfort and steady reassurance.
Oliver began speaking softly to DWW Zoom. With gentle support, Oliver slowly found the courage to share what had happened.
In that moment, Oliver was not alone. Oliver was heard, believed, and supported by people — and one very special dog — who were there every step of the way.
Privacy note: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved.
“Stories like Oliver's remind us that healing can begin with something as simple as feeling safe, supported, and cared for.”
Story shared by Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre
DWW Kourt Supporting Lethbridge Police Service
DWW Kourt was placed with Lethbridge Police Service in 2022, where Kourt's role is dedicated to supporting officers behind the badge.
Police work can be unpredictable and difficult. DWW Kourt is present for moments that are not always seen — sitting in on debrief meetings, being there after difficult calls, and offering quiet support throughout the day.
Sometimes that support looks like a calm, steady presence beside an officer. Other times, it may be a walk, a moment of interaction, or a simple pause in the middle of a demanding day.
DWW Kourt's role is simple and powerful: to help officers pause, process, and feel supported.
“DWW Kourt's role is simple and powerful: to help officers pause, process, and feel supported.”
Story shared in recognition of Mental Health Week
Why Accredited Facility Dogs Matter
Calm in Difficult Moments
Accredited Facility Dogs provide a steady presence during challenging, unfamiliar, or stressful experiences.
Support for Children and Youth
Dogs like DWW Zoom help create a sense of safety and connection when children are asked to share difficult stories.
Support for Professionals
Dogs like DWW Kourt support the well-being of professionals who serve the community through demanding work.
A Quiet Presence. A Powerful Impact.
Accredited Facility Dogs are trained to work alongside professionals in community, justice, healthcare, education, and support settings.
Their work may look quiet, but the impact can be significant. A calm presence can help someone feel supported, grounded, and less alone in a difficult moment.
DWW Zoom and DWW Kourt show how Dogs With Wings Accredited Facility Dogs support both the people receiving care and the professionals providing it.
Support More Accredited Facility Dog Partnerships
Your support helps Dogs With Wings train and place Accredited Facility Dogs that bring calm, connection, and support to people and communities.
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