Blaise, Alberta’s first operational stress intervention dog, joins Edmonton Police Service

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Mike Annan remembers chatting with a group of B.C. firefighters when one of them asked, “What if we had a dog to support our members in emotional down regulation and debriefing situations?”

The director of Service Dogs for B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs initially said no. But after a quick call to Wounded Warriors Canada, the answer became a resounding yes.

That conversation sparked what would eventually become a program that most recently brought Blaise, a black Labrador with a gift for emotional support, to the Edmonton Police Service.

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Blaise, EPS’ first operational stress intervention dog (OSID), was officially introduced Monday morning at a presentation attended by interim EPS Chief Warren Driechel, representatives from Wounded Warriors Canada, and guide dog experts from B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs.

Unlike his canine counterparts in the canine unit, Blaise isn’t trained to chase criminals. His job is to comfort officers and civilian staff during high-stress moments or after tough calls, Driechel said.

“We know the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact,” he said. “Sometimes a wagging tail and a quiet moment can be just what someone needs to rest and recharge.”

The ideal OSID is calm, confident, people-oriented, and emotionally intuitive, which are traits that allow them to thrive in high-pressure environments and offer meaningful support to those under stress, Annan explained. Blaise was carefully selected and trained by B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs with exactly these qualities in mind.

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“Blaise was selected for specific temperament to be able to work daily in a busy environment,” he said. “Blaise has an affinity to be around lots of people, and he’s also picked up on being sensitive to somebody’s sympathetic nervous system.”

The initiative is the product of a multi-year effort and partnership between EPS, Wounded Warriors Canada, and B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs. Philip Ralph, director of Health Services for Wounded Warriors Canada, said the significant highlight of the launch is that Blaise is the first OSID placed with a police service in Alberta.

“This dog is tangible proof that you are actually taking action,” said Ralph. “Edmonton police is often seen and shown as an example to the services across the country of what a good, well-funded … wellness team can do.”

Confident, calm, and attuned

EPS had attempted to bring in dogs for this role before, but none of the candidates quite fit the unique temperament needed for the job until Blaise came along, said Blaise’s handler, EPS Const. David Klein.

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“He loves interacting with people. He’s definitely not an introverted dog by any stretch,” Klein said. “He’s just so unique.”

Trained to comfort multiple people in dynamic, sometimes unpredictable environments, Blaise was bred in-house by B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs specifically for this kind of work. He’s described as confident, calm, and deeply attuned to people’s emotions, being an ideal companion for the unpredictable days in policing.

In just about two weeks at EPS, his impact is already evident, Klein said.

“As our members are leaving after the night shift, we’re walking through the parking lot, and he’ll go over and greet them,” he said. “They’ll say, ‘This is the best part of my day. I can sleep well tonight.’”

Blaise’s day typically starts early, with breakfast at around 5 a.m. and a walk before he heads to work alongside Klein. He floats between departments, checking in on officers and staff, and even holds “visiting hours” at the TV tower division once a week. On duty or off, he’s always ready for action or a nap on someone’s feet.

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“He’s a certified foot warmer who is (an) all-around goofball who loves beef liver treats,” joked Driechel. “The other day, he was in my office, and the first thing he did was come and sit down on my foot.”

His current favourite? Cucumber, which apparently causes an immediate stir and drool response when mentioned.

Blaise’s arrival marks an important milestone in EPS’s commitment to staff wellness. The force hopes to expand the program, with the goal of situating the next dog at their Northwest Campus.

But for now, Blaise is on the job, spreading calm, one wag at a time.

“This is a very exciting day,” said Annan. “Looking back at my years working with trauma-exposed professionals and service and intervention dogs, this has really just hit a pinnacle. Blaise is a very, very special dog.”

cnguyen@postmedia.com

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