A FOUR-MONTH-OLD Australian Labradoodle is one of the latest recruits to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Digby is at present busy completing his socialisation training, and when he reaches eight-months old and has been fully assessed by Pets as Therapy (PAT) he will become a Therapy K9.

The assessment is all about him having the right personality and confidence around people, particularly young people. So he needs to be a friendly sociable dog that is happy in large groups as Digby will also provide contact with vulnerable people in schools, hospices and hospitals for the charity, Pets as Therapy (PAT).

Digby will also be available to DSFRS supporting Critical Incident Defusing alongside his handler Operational Licence and Training Delivery Manager, Matt Goodman when he is assisting a crew who have returned from a traumatic incident. The fire crew will have the option for Digby to attend the Defusing session.

As part of his training, Digby has already attended his first Defusing session in July following a serious RTC on the A35 near Honiton.

Matt explained: “The crews immediately responded to Digby when he arrived at the fire station which provided a positive focus both before and during the Defusing session. The value he added was tangible.

“The use of Therapy Dogs has been scientifically proven to help people who have been exposed to traumatic situations or who are dealing with very challenging situations in their lives such as ill health or learning ability.”

The Fire and Rescue sector makes good use of canines as Arson dogs or Live Scent rescue dogs for example, but from his research Matt believes that Digby would be the first therapy dog to support firefighters during the defusing process.

Australian Labradoodles are also specifically bred for their hypoallergenic fleece which is very soft and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Digby is on trial with the Fire Service at present, and on a day-to-day basis is 100 per cent Matt’s responsibility, and operates under Matt’s risk assessment when attending a defusing session.