Northamptonshire, England: Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Services has recently announced about Olive, the UK’s first officially accredited fire service wellness support dog, as a new recruit.
The three-year-old cocker spaniel was born on a puppy farm and was maintained in deplorable conditions before being apprehended by authorities and sent to a rescue centre.
According to the fire department, her “gentle disposition” was “ideal” for the role.
The organization claimed Olive, wearing her official wellness jacket, might be called upon to spend time with workers who were depressed, had a tough job, or were suffering from stress or trauma.
Oscar Kilo, an organization that has examined police dogs as wellness and trauma support animals since its inception in 2017, claimed she was the first to accredit her as a fire service dog.
Rob Porter, assistant chief fire officer, said it was critical for personnel to “speak more openly about mental health,” particularly those who were operational and attended “harrowing events.”
Source: BBC
By Sanjay Bhattacharya
September 19, 2025
