Let us introduce Dottie, a two-year-old Pointer Mix, who was adopted from the Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department on August 15, 2021. Dottie is playful, loving and full of energy, and was noted to be an ideal candidate for the MDPD dog rescue program.  She is the second dog rescued by the MDPD.  Dottie’s journey began as a foster pet with Police Reserve Officer Grace O’Donnell, who volunteered to train Dottie in May of 2021, until the official MDPD adoption in August 2021.  Dottie began training towards becoming a registered therapy dog through the American Kennel Club, “Alliance of Therapy Dogs.”  Additionally, the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department collaborated with MDPD as a component to the Second Chance Dog Training Program. During the collaboration, she was exposed to various environments, social events, and other animal assisted activities.

During the Champlain Towers South building collapse, Dottie spent several days at the family assistance center.  She offered comfort to the survivors and victims’ families and provided emotional support to police personnel working the task of documenting the scene and identifying victims. Officer Alexander Muñoz was selected as Dottie’s handler and has since fostered her. They are currently working together and remain committed to training.

Officer Muñoz, along with Dottie, will be attending events at schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Furthermore, at the request of MDPD personnel, they will respond to provide comfort and emotional support.

The Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department, Helping Our Pets Everyday (HOPE) express bus will be on site for two hours with pets available for viewing and adoption. All animals looking for foster families will be medically cleared, microchipped and adoption fees will be waived for animals over four months old. Adopters will only be responsible for a $30 registration fee.