The Richmond Police Department has introduced a new member to its team: a 9-month-old wellness dog named Rosie, aimed at helping officers cope with the emotional stresses of police work. Rosie, named after the iconic “Rosie the Riveter” from Richmond’s history, is the department’s first-ever therapy dog and is already making a positive impact.
Her handler, Karin Khalil, who works as the department’s patrol secretary, has observed firsthand how Rosie’s presence uplifts the staff. “You can tell people’s mood changes when they see her,” said Khalil. “If there’s an officer walking down the hallway, they’ll light up.”
Though Khalil only started handling Rosie a few months ago, she is already impressed by how well the dog connects with the officers. “She seems almost like it’s suited for her,” Khalil said. “She’s very in tune with emotions and can tell when people’s moods shift.”
Rosie’s role extends beyond the department. Khalil shared a personal story about how the dog comforted her son when he was upset, highlighting Rosie’s natural empathy. “It was very sweet because my other dogs don’t do that, so I think she is one step ahead in the training,” Khalil added.
At present, Rosie has completed basic obedience training, and later this year, she will undergo specialized training with Next Step Service Dogs in San Diego. There, she will be trained to offer emotional support and remain calm during tense or high-pressure situations. The nonprofit will provide Rosie with the tools to become a service dog specifically for first responders, with training expected to take about two years.
Rosie was selected from a litter of Labrador puppies for her calm and affectionate demeanor, traits that make her well-suited for her role in a high-stress environment. Lieutenant Donald Patchin expressed excitement about her future potential. “I can only imagine how huge her impact will be once she’s completed the actual training and we can rely on her,” Patchin told CBS News Bay Area. “I only see it going up from here.”
The dog’s training, including advanced certifications, will be fully funded by the state’s officer wellness and mental health grant program. Already, Rosie has become a beloved presence at the department, with Officer Alyssa Alvarado noting that the dog provides a welcome respite from the seriousness of police work. “It’s just a fresh change when you come to work and have to put on your game face, and she wants to run up and see if you have any treats,” Alvarado said.
As Rosie continues to grow into her role, Khalil looks forward to the lasting impact the dog will have on the department. “I consider myself lucky to have her and get to have her be my workmate every day,” she said.
Rosie’s presence serves as a small but important step in creating a more supportive, mentally healthy environment for officers in an often high-stress profession.
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