One year on the job. Countless tail wags. Plenty of community appearances. And apparently, sleeping on duty is perfectly acceptable when you're one of the most popular officers at the Ames Police Department. Penny, the Ames Police Department's Crisis Canine, is celebrating her first anniversary as a badged member of the department! But what does a year of police work look like when your primary responsibilities include providing comfort, building connections, and helping people through difficult situations? In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back Ames Police Sergeant Amber Christian and her four-legged partner, Penny, for a look at their first year working together. From responding to stressful situations to making new friends at community events, Penny has a unique role in serving the Ames community. When Penny first appeared on Ames in Focus, she was still learning the ropes. Now, with a full year of experience, Amber reflects on how Penny has grown, what they've learned together, and how the Crisis Canine Program is making a difference. Unlike traditional police K9s trained for tracking, searching, or apprehension, Penny has a very different assignment. As a Crisis Canine, she's trained to provide comfort, help de-escalate stressful situations, and create connections with people who may be experiencing some of their most difficult moments. Sometimes, having a friendly dog nearby can make it easier for someone to relax, communicate, or simply feel supported. But Penny's work doesn't stop when a crisis ends. Community Connections are another important part of Penny's job. Whether she's attending public events, meeting residents, or helping introduce people to the Ames Police Department, Penny offers a different way for officers to connect with the community. After all, approaching a police officer might feel intimidating to some people, but approaching an officer with an adorable dog is another story! Supporting Public Safety Employees is also part of Penny's mission. Police officers, dispatchers, and other public safety professionals regularly encounter difficult situations. Having Penny around can provide opportunities to decompress, connect, and find a little comfort during a challenging day. Training and Partnership remain essential to the program's success. Amber and Penny continue working together to maintain their skills and strengthen their relationship. Amber also shares what it's like to have a partner who goes home with her at the end of the shift and whether Penny knows when it's time to stop being Officer Penny and just be a dog. Supporting the Crisis Canine Program takes more than treats and belly rubs. Ongoing training, equipment, veterinary care, grooming, and other expenses are part of keeping Penny healthy and ready to serve. Community donations help support these needs and ensure the program can continue providing an important resource for the Ames Police Department and the community. In this episode: Celebrating Penny's first year as a badged member of the Ames Police Department How the Crisis Canine Program has developed during its first year What makes a Crisis Canine different from a traditional police K9 How Penny helps provide comfort and connection during stressful situations The types of calls and situations where Penny can assist How dogs can help people communicate and feel more comfortable Penny's role in community events and public outreach Building positive relationships between police officers and residents Supporting the mental wellness of police officers, dispatchers, and other public safety employees How Amber and Penny have grown as a team The ongoing training required for a Crisis Canine and handler What Penny is like when she's off duty The costs of maintaining the Crisis Canine Program How community donations support Penny's training, equipment, and care Looking ahead to Penny's second year with the department Penny may not write reports, make arrests, or answer questions during a podcast interview, but her role at the Ames Police Department is an important one. Whether she's helping someone through a difficult experience, supporting a fellow officer, or making a new friend at a community event, Penny demonstrates how a little compassion and connection can make a meaningful difference. Want to support Penny and the Ames Police Department Crisis Canine Program? Donations help cover ongoing expenses, including training, equipment, veterinary care, grooming, and other needs. To contribute, visit www.AmesAnimalShelter.org and follow the directions to make a donation to the Crisis Canine Program. You can also follow the Ames Police Department and the City of Ames on social media to keep up with Penny and her adventures. And don't forget to subscribe to Ames in Focus for more conversations with the people and programs that make Ames a great place to live, work, and play.
