Amid the hustle of emergency response, a group of four-legged volunteers has been providing some much-needed relief. The North Star Therapy Animals (NSTA) and their handlers, like Opal and Sophia Legare, have become a calming presence at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), according to a report by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
The SEOC, known for being at the frontline of Minnesota's most dire circumstances, can quickly become an overwhelming environment. In an effort to considerably lighten the emotional load, therapy dogs have made their entrance onto the scene. Opal, an Australian cattle dog, takes her role seriously. "She's just very calm and very patient with people," Legare told the Department of Public Safety.
These animals, integrated with the staff during high-stress events, are there to offer respite during situations ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to the recent tragic shooting of Renee Good. The director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), Allison Farole, noted the emotional challenges faced by the SEOC staff and advocated for the therapeutic intervention. "These activations are long and stressful," Farole expressed, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, emphasizing the importance of self-care for her team.
The therapy dogs were a welcome sight for SEOC staff, with the four-legged volunteers offering pets and kisses to anyone in need. Opal is a veteran in this regard, being the third dog Legare has trained for therapeutic work, underscoring a belief in the difference these animals can make. "It definitely helps with destressing and brings a smile to people's faces," Legare said, highlighting how dogs are nonjudgmental companions in times of stress, as detailed by the Department of Public Safety announcement.
More details regarding the new SEOC facility in Blaine and its state-of-the-art features can be found on the department's website. Meanwhile, the canine volunteers continue to prove that comfort can often be found in the simplest of gestures – and sometimes, those gestures come on four paws.
