How awesome is Max? He is the first dog to be trained as an in-house therapy animal for first responders in Canada. According to one study, up to 15% of paramedics suffer PTSD due to the stress of their jobs.
Hugs for everyone
A social media campaign inspired by a rise in suicide rates in first responders #ivegotyourback911 gave Tracy Levesque the idea to train a service dog specifically to help paramedics.
Safety first!
Safety first! @IGotYourBack911 @OttawaParamedic pic.twitter.com/HSzQu6LG86
— Max (@medictherapydog) December 1, 2016
In addition to standard therapy dog training, Max has had extensive desensitization to sirens, lights, and trucks. Tracy partnered with the Ottawa Police Services canine unit as well as the Ottawa Humane Society to develop a training standard for dogs in this unique line of work.
Max enjoying a massage after a long day’s work
Nothing like a great massage at the end of my day! Thank you Alexandra! ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/8ou7oZUK1W
— Max (@medictherapydog) November 2, 2016