Let us introduce Sparky, a three year old American Bulldog mix, who was received as an injured stray by Miami-Dade Animal Services.  After he was rehabilitated to health, by the amazing work of the shelter veterinarians, shelter personnel realized that he was very sweet tempered, and was assessed and selected as a candidate for the Second Chance Dog Training Program.  This program is a collaboration between Miami-Dade Animal Services, Applause Your Paws, and the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department.  After successfully completing the program, Sparky was selected for the Miami-Dade Police Department, Kendall District, Neighborhood Resource Unit.  Police Reserve Officer Grace O'Donnell, who originally fostered Sparky, trained with him.  Together, they were certified as a Pet Therapy Team by Alliance for Therapy Dogs, an AKC recognized organization.  Officer Ryan Fields has since fostered Sparky, and was selected as his handler.   They are currently working together and continue training as a therapy dog team. 

"We are proud of Sparky and his accomplishments and to be a part of this pilot program. This is just another example of the wonderful pets available at the Pet Adoption and Protection Center waiting to be discovered and adopted," said Animal Services Director Alex Muñoz.  "We are hoping to continue this great collaboration with Miami-Dade Police Department."

Officers Fields and O'Donnell, along with Sparky, will be attending events at schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and at the request of any Miami-Dade Police Department entity to provide comfort and emotional support.