Lane County swears in therapy dog to support deputies

Members of the law enforcement community routinely face some of the most psychologically challenging situations in public service, and the Lane County Sheriff s Office moved to address that strain by adding a canine support team member. On November 20, 2025 the department formally sworn in Corporal Carlton, a goldendoodle who will work with deputies to provide comfort, stress relief and psychological support during and after difficult calls.

The ceremony was attended by department staff and marked with fanfare as Carlton began duties focused on improving staff wellbeing. The office described the dog as a happy, fluffy presence that will help deputies cope with the emotional toll of their work. The program is presented as part of the department s ongoing efforts to support personnel who regularly see people at their very worst.

For Lane County residents the move carries implications beyond a feel good story. Investing in the mental health of public safety personnel can affect retention and readiness within the sheriff s office, and it can also influence how officers engage with community members during crises. When deputies have access to support that reduces stress and burnout, departments are better positioned to maintain consistent staffing and respond more effectively to public needs.

The decision also touches on larger questions of how local governments prioritize and fund mental health resources for frontline workers. A therapy dog program is a visible and immediate resource, but it exists alongside needs for counseling services, peer support, training and policies that reduce stigma around seeking help. For communities with limited mental health infrastructure, ensuring that emergency personnel have comprehensive support is an equity issue as well, since staff wellbeing is linked to public safety outcomes across diverse neighborhoods.

As the sheriff s office rolls out Carlton s duties, practical considerations include how the program will be integrated into shifts, how deputies will access the dog for support, and whether the model will extend to other units such as dispatch or corrections. Officials described the program as part of ongoing wellbeing efforts, suggesting this is an early step rather than a comprehensive solution.

Corporal Carlton s arrival offers an empathetic, tangible resource for deputies who carry heavy emotional burdens in service to the county. How the program is supported, evaluated and paired with broader mental health services will determine its long term impact on staff wellbeing and on public safety in Lane County.