Calgary police welcome ‘Sadie’; the force’s first stress intervention dog

Calgary police have added a new kind of four-legged first responder to their ranks, aiming to ease the emotional toll of policing.

Sadie, a black Labrador retriever specially trained as an Operational Stress Intervention Dog, is now working alongside the Calgary Police Service’s wellness team.

She is the first dog of her kind in the service’s history, brought in through a partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada, B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs, and Pulling Together for Mental Health.

Her job is to help officers and civilian staff cope with the intense pressures of the job. Operational Stress Intervention Dogs are trained to reduce physiological signs of stress, provide emotional grounding, and offer calm during moments of trauma, crisis, or heavy operational demand, according to CPS.

“The health and well-being of all CPS members, both sworn and civilian, is essential to the work we do every day,” Chief Katie McLellan said in a statement. “Our first Operational Stress Intervention Dog represents a step forward in helping our members navigate the emotional demands of policing.”

Sadie’s arrival was made possible by a donation from Wounded Warriors Canada, a national mental health organization that supports trauma‑informed programs for uniformed service members and their families. The group also funds the specialized training provided by B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs.

Sadie will take part in debriefings, wellness appointments, and training sessions, while also offering day‑to‑day comfort to members experiencing operational stress.

The service’s Wellness and Resiliency Division will manage her deployment, supported by a handler trained in occupational stress support.