From left to right: Lynda Adshead with Penticton RCMP Victim Services, PADS executive director Laura Watamanuk, Calypso's partner Dede Dyck and Penticton RCMP Supt. Kevin Hewco pose with the detachment's newest recruit, Calypso.
(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)
September 15, 2016 - 1:00 PM
PENTICTON - Penticton RCMP introduced their newest member to the community today, Sept. 15.
Calypso, a three year old golden lab retriever, has joined the Penticton RCMP’s Victim Services team as an intervention dog. She has been trained to provide a calming presence in assisting victims of crime or trauma.
Dede Dyck, Calypso’s partner, says the dog can provide physical comfort to crime victims when other support members can’t, noting members aren’t allowed to physically touch victims, but the dog can.
Calypso is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide support at accident and crime scenes. She’s also available to provide crime victims with support as they go through the system, even providing emotional support for victims in court, if necessary.
Calypso was bred, raised and trained by the Pacific Assistance Dog Society. Executive eirector Laura Watamanuck says dogs of Calypso’s temperament are hard to find, adding Calypso’s role as an intervention dog requires her to fill many roles and behaviours.
Calypso will spend her off time with Dyck in the Okanagan, where she enjoys swimming in Okanagan Lake.
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