PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Portage city council presided over the swearing in of their newest staff member last night. Flora the Therapy Dog took the oath to do whatever dogs are supposed to do under the Constitution.
Originally fire dogs were dalmatians, brought into fire stations in the 1700’s to calm the horses, and act as watchdogs.
These days, Flora will serve a different purpose, to calm and heal Portage’s firefighters, whose jobs can sometime be emotionally challenging.
Firefighter Scott LaRoe, who trained Flora, says she will make the stations feel more comforting.
She will also be an ambassador for the department when they visit schools and other groups.
Public Safety Chief Matt Wolfe says the black Lab was purchased with money from the Public Safety Foundation.
He says pet supplies and veterinary services are being donated by local businesses, so no tax dollars are being spent on the program.
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