LPS Victim/Witness Support Services dog Kourt (left) celebrates her fourth birthday alongside Audi (right), May 26, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

LPS celebrates support dog’s birthday

May 26, 2023 | 4:19 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Happy birthday to Lethbridge Police Service’s (LPS) Victim/Witness Support Services (VWSS) dog Kourt.

A fourth birthday party was held at the LPS station on Friday, May 26, 2023, for Kourt, a Golden Retriever/ Black Lab.

Catherine Pooley, dog handler and VWSS program manager, said Kourt’s work has proven to be invaluable.

“We’ve had some victims that weren’t comfortable disclosing different experiences they’ve had because some, particularly kids, they’ve been through some really tough times,” said Pooley. “Having Kourt there with them has made the difference where they’re able to tell an officer what happened and they’re able to actually have some justice come as a result of it.”

Kourt joined the services in March 2022. Since then, Pooley reports that the K9 has worked more than 700 hours, supporting LPS members nearly 800 times and community members more than 350 times.

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Pooley told media that Kourt is always there to help anyone who needs it.

“As far as our officers go, we see them sometimes come in after a tough call. The stress and hard work of what they’re doing is very obvious in their face and their body language,” said Pooley. “They can come throw a ball with Kourt, they can have a little snuggle, they can just spend some time where there’s just that quiet comfort that she gives. Then they leave with their shoulders back down and they’re ready to help the next person.”

Kourt is the first Facility Dog and VWSS history. She received extensive training through the Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society of Alberta.

According to a media release from LPS, facility dogs are different from companion dogs in that they work with a handler and serve many people.

Pooley describes Kourt as a consumate professional, “but the minute you take her jacket off, she’s just a puppy and it’s the best thing to see. She howls and barks and plays and she knows who she likes, and when they come in, she gets loud and goofy and bounces around like a little puppy again.”

Training under Kourt is Audi. He will soon finish his time at LPS VWSS then head back up to Edmonton to complete his training with the Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society of Alberta.

READ MORE: LPS welcomes new K-9 to Victim/Witness Services team