Say ‘hello’ to the OK9 wellbeing and trauma support dogs and their handlers in the Fire and Rescue Service.
These dogs are all members of the national OK9 wellbeing and trauma support dog network and are able to attend the aftermath of a major incident to support those affected by trauma. They also get the opportunity to attend national events and to support our wellbeing outreach service.
Freddie is looked after by Lisa Smith from HFRS. Lisa said: "Freddie was from South Yorkshire Spaniel Re-Homing Centre after I had lost my young cocker spaniel to cancer. He is now 11 years old and is the most gentle loving dog which is why I knew he’d be perfect to be HFRS's first-ever wellbeing and trauma support dog.
"I worked as a vet nurse before doing my nurse training so combining my two passions, people and animals is like a dream job for me!" Freddie is available for staff visits/community events by getting in touch with occupational health admin."
Angie Jones is a health and wellbeing lead for the service. Angie said: "I have only been in post for a short while. I registered both my Greyhounds to be Pets As Therapy dogs pre-covid, so I know the fantastic impact support dogs have on people at times of worry or stress.
"Kellan is particularly good with people with high anxiety or stress as he is very calm and gentle which can be very soothing, whilst his projected strength is relaxing."
Ronnie's handler is Wayne Gale, a station manager currently working in operational response. Wayne is also part of the health and wellbeing team and the lead for Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) for the service.
Wayne said: "Although it's early days, I have found being an OK9 dog handler rewarding and am amazed at how Ronnie can change the mood in a room as well as get people to open up about mental health."
Bear's handler, Clare, has worked within the London Fire Brigade as an operational firefighter for over 20 years.
Clare said: "I jumped at the chance of becoming a wellbeing dog handler as I knew this would be an extremely rewarding opportunity not only for me and Bear, but hopefully for everyone we meet along the way. Bear has a kind, loving personality and always brings a smile to people’s faces. It is the perfect role for him."
Benji's handler, Chris, is a sub officer with the London Fire Brigade.
Chris said: "I have had him since a puppy. He is a sensitive loving little boy and will definitely pull at people’s hearts with his big brown eyes. Benji will make a brilliant therapy dog, he has already shown how good he is when supporting a person with a neurodiversity. We are both proud to be part of this team representing the London Fire Brigade."
Buddy's handler, Dave, has been at London Fire Brigade for 30 years and is currently station officer at East Greenwich.
Dave said: "Having been given mental health support whilst in the job, I understand the importance of having good people to support you during the difficult times, and this is a good way for me and Buddy to give back. Buddy is a French Bulldog rescue from Dogs Trust and is a happy loving, playful, and sometimes mischievous dog who loves the 'zoomies'."
Freddie's handler, James, is a firefighter for the London Fire Brigade.
James said: "Being an OK9 dog handler is exciting to me because I love to help others and make a positive difference in others' lives I think it is an exciting opportunity. I also love dogs and especially Freddie. Being able to share him with others I think will benefit them and of course Freddie will love it too.
"Freddie loves to meet new people and is very good with children. He is very gentle and loves nothing more then a cuddle on the sofa. Freddie missed the memo on being a Labrador as is isn't interested in food at all."
Freddy's handler, Terry, is a fire fighter with the London Fire Brigade.
Terry said: "Freddy brings a huge amount of joy to me, the family and everyone he encounters. He is exceptionally good natured and brings smiles and joy every day. We are both very proud to be part of the wellbeing dog team, and look forward to assisting and supporting colleagues."
Hugo's handler, Sarah-Jane, has been a firefighter with the London Fire Brigade for 19 years.
Sarah-Jane said" I believe wellbeing support is an important part of our job. I feel honoured and privileged to be in a position to help our emergency service colleagues. Hugo is a friendly family dog who loves to meet people. He is happy to play when someone engages with him, but knows there are times when he needs to sit and be a calming presence."
Koli's handler, Shelley, is a firefighter with the London Fire Brigade.
Shelley said: "Koli is my semi-retired life saving boy. He helped pull me out of the dark depths of PTSD. He has arthritis so now accompanies Peggy and I on visits, where he works the room in his own time in his own way. He has a magic ability to form deep connections with certain people, and can win anyone over with his eyes."
Peggy's handler, Shelley, said: "I’ve been a firefighter for 13 years and after my own struggles with PTSD and poor mental health, I’ve spent the last few years trying to make a difference in the mental health of others.
"I am passionate about affecting change within my service and supporting those in need. Nobody should struggle with their mental health alone. Being part of OK9 means I get to share the love, and almost magical positive effects of Peggy, on all those we visit."
Ruben's handler, Jamie, is a firefighter at Dockhead Fire Station in Bermondsey.
Jamie said: "I'm yet to become an active dog handler as we are still waiting for the relevant insurance cover for our dogs, but hope to be rolling out in this role within the upcoming months. So far I've received the peer support training online via a teams meeting, however I'm still due to complete a mental health first aider course, suicide awareness course and shadow someone whose experienced and active in this role."
Ted's handler, Marta, is a firefighter in Richmond, West London.
Marta said: "I’m looking forward to bringing my spaniel, Ted, to work so others can benefit from my listening skills and his joy and enthusiasm. We are new to mental health first aid and dog handling but feel sure we can both help others to enjoy their work and personal lives."
Boston's handler is Alex, a Firefighter at Bethnal Green on the White Watch. He joined the LFB in 2005 and proudly became a Mental Health First Aider in 2020, whereupon he first learned of the Wellbeing Dog programme.
Alex said: "Boston and I have only just joined the OK9 team but I’m really looking forward to visiting stations and seeing the calming, positive impact the dogs can make to our operational colleagues."
"My name is Steve Behan. I’m a Leading Firefighter on the blue watch at G33 Kensington, although currently detached to the whites as a temporary Sub Officer. I’ve been in the job for just over 20 years.
"I have just started working with OK9 and am looking forward to getting out to stations to meet and talk to colleagues with Buster. He is such a happy and loving dog and I know he will bring a smile to those who get to meet him."
Hector's handler is Rob Parsons, Rob said: "I’m a firefighter with the LFB I’m very proud to be a OK9 handler and it is a great feeling seeing everyone how happy they are when Hector turns up on station and the joy he brings to people at work."
Lily's handler is Chris Silcox, Chris said: "I work for LFB at Croydon where I have been based for 17 years, the last 3 as a Leading Firefighter. I am also part of the USAR team on my watch.
"Lily is a bouncy, cuddle loving cocker spaniel. She is a ball junkie and will run after a tennis ball for hours. What she loves more than anything is attention.
"We are really excited to be part of OK9. We look forward to working together with the Wellbeing Dog Team where we hope to make a difference to anyone who might be affected by or struggling with mental health."
Nick Thurbin is Mac's handler, he is a leading firefighter at Plaistow Station and had been with LFB for over 21 years.
Nick said: "Being accepted as an OK9 handler has filled me with pride and joy. I am delighted for my best buddy Mac and cannot wait to start my journey into the wellbeing dog team. Mac is the perfect dog for the job, his loving and gentle nature can mend any broken heart."
My name is Jemma, and I am a Sub Officer at Northolt Fire Station in West London. I have completed just over 14 years’ service for LFB. I live with my husband and our two children in Ruislip, my step daughter is 10 and my son is 3.
I rescued Scoob from the Dogs Trust in 2012, when he was just 12 weeks old. He has always been an inquisitive and intuitive pup, and I hope we can provide some support to local crews and the community.
"I am Matthew Tulley, a 22 year service Firefighter, looking forwards to starting service as an OK9 dog handler.
My hound Toby, is a rescue I got at 3 months. He is incredible, a loyal friend and companion. I share him with my sons mother and he has helped to heal her after years of mental health issues. He goes to her work where he brings some love to the hospital."
Wellington’s handler is Joseph, a Station Officer currently working in Incident Communications. Joseph is also a Mental Health First Aider for the service.
Joseph said: "We have been best friends for over 9 years, since I got him as a puppy, we never thought that as an older dog we would embark on such a rewarding new challenge. We are both immensely proud to be a part of the Wellbeing Dog Team and look forward to meeting our colleagues, encouraging conversation and improving wellbeing"
Mabel and Wilbur's handler said "I am from New Zealand originally and came over to play rugby for one year. 30 something years later I’m still here. I ended up playing professionally for 13 years before becoming to old and slow to play anymore. Having been party of a team environment for many years I struggled at the end of my rugby career & found myself like a lot of other professional sports people in a very dark place. It was then I joined the LFB and had the privilege of being the keeper of my first dog Womble who became my mental health support dog. He became a Instagram hit with some 6k followers and a local celebrity. It was then I saw the positive healing power dogs have. I now have Mabel & Wilbur who are carrying on Wombles tradition.
"It is a privilege and an honour to be part of the OK9 team and if my dogs can help break the ice with someone who has disconnected & needs help it will make me extremely proud."
Cersei's handler is Angela, a Control Room Officer with the London Fire Brigade.
Angela said: "I am delighted to be able to share Cersei with the brigade and beyond. For my own wellbeing, her presence lights my life and our woodland walks uplift me, ensuring I take time out, get fresh air and interact with the world every day. For others, Cersei’s beautiful, gentle nature, love of cuddles – and huge fluffiness! – melts hearts and raises smiles. Cersei brightens every day and it’s a privilege to be able to use her presence to encourage and support others with their mental health and wellbeing."
Clare's handler, Aston, is a fire safety inspector in Central.
Aston said: "Clare is an amazing dog that has got me and my wife through some tough times just by existing and being there. I know she can do the same for others."
Andy Nash is Coco's handler (Coco is the middle one in the picture).
Andy said: "I am the WBTSD SPOC for Norfolk. I am also the dog handler for urban search & rescue with Axel. My main role is watch manager of arguably the best watch in Norfolk."
Del's handler, Llio Wyn Knight-Griffith, is the prevention delivery manager at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service managing road, arson reduction, and education programmes as well as home fire safety work for vulnerable members of the community.
Llio Wyn said: "Del will always make people smile and I am proud to have her at my side when supporting colleagues after incidents. We hope to encourage conversation and wellbeing in others."
Ginge's handler, Eloise (Elly), is temporary watch manager on White Watch in Control.
Elly said: "Having had times where I've struggled, I've relied on the happiness my first dog brought me, so much so I thought two would make me doubly happy. Which is what made me get Ginge, she was a more challenging character than my first but also more affectionate. Because of her cuddly nature, I thought she’d be the perfect addition to the OK9 team. I’m hopeful that the benefit my dogs bring me can also help others."
Tilly's handler, Michelle, is the watch manager (Stalham Fire Station) and crew manager (learning and development at Bowthorpe Training and Development Centre).
Michelle said: "As an OK9 handler I enjoy taking my dogs to meet crews and I hope they bring as much fun/stress relief to the people they meet as they do me. Tilly loves everyone and everything! She’s the bubbliest little pup and has so much love to give. She can’t help but melt hearts with her cuteness."
"I’m David, a station manager with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service. I am responsible for the training and development of our staff, predominantly new recruits.
"Within our recruit delivery, we discuss the importance of mental health and wellbeing specifically when it comes to dealing with challenging or traumatic events. So when the opportunity arose to become an OK9 handler, I volunteered, as it will be a great addition to supporting our colleagues through any challenges that they may encounter. Luna and I are looking forward to supporting individuals as part of the OK9."
Milo's handler, Bekki, is a fire investigation and protection officer (FIPO).
Bekki said: "I'm new to handling but was inspired by the positive work OK9 is doing. I love spending time with my dog, Milo, and I see when we're on walks how much people enjoy meeting him and he loves to meet people and bring a smile to their face. He can seem aloof but will be anyone's best friend."
Pip's handler is Michelle Lowe. Michelle is the watch manager at Stalham Fire Station and crew manager (learning & development) at Bowthorpe Training and Development Centre.
Michelle said: "As an OK9 handler I look forward to taking Pip out in the hope she brings as much fun/stress relief to the people she meets as she does me. Pip is full of life, loves to play and is a great listener. She is only small (often mistaken for a puppy) but she has a big heart."
Alfie's handler is Karen Rowley, the Culture and Ethics Manager for Norfolk Fire and Rescue.
Karen said "Alfie is enjoying being part of the OK( wellbeing gang because it means he is able to visit people, and he absolutely loves people. He often uses his pawsuasive powers to get you to share food with him, so a firm no is required if you don't want to share your lunch. He gets it, but that doesn't stop his eyes from asking... Alfie can be a little head-shy sometimes, but he definitely won’t say no to a gentle cuddle."
Marg lives with Bob Bickle a firefighter in the control room.
Bob said "Marg is a calm and steady girl, so she is ideal for anybody who is a little nervous around dogs. She is happy to sit and have a fuss without being demanding and she is a great listener."
Oakley’s handler, Vicky Spall is a firefighter on Blue Watch at North Earlham, and has been part of the OK9 Team since it started.
Vicky said: "Oakley is a curious dog who follows you around to make sure that he knows what is going on at all times. He loves to be outside running around at full sprint and his favourite thing in the world is any water that he can get into. At home, if he's not dropping carrot at our feet to throw he loves fuss and if he's not with his human he can be found cuddled up with his brother.
"Oakley loves the attention he gets since joining our OK9 Team – especially when he receives lots of treats and cuddles! Together, they’re really looking forward to getting out more to meet and help more people."
Relaxed in all environments, loves to snuggle, is very sociable, and always greets with one of her toys in her mouth
Missy's handler is Ffion who works in the D&T department providing support for fire and police. Ffion said:
"I have had Missy from a puppy and she has been so loving and always wanting fuss from day one. Throughout covid, she came to work with me and I have seen the positive effect she has had on everyone she meets.
"People were coming into the IT office just to have a cuddle from her if they were having a bad day. I love that having a dog around gets people talking and makes people smile and I’m glad to be a part of it."
Olive was adopted by Mark in August 2020 from a Northamptonshire-based animal rescue charity after being seized by the Police under the Animal Welfare Act. She hasn’t let her difficult past stand in her way and is now loving life and enjoying being the first wellbeing dog for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS).
She is having a positive impact on the employees of the service and loves the role and the attention and takes it all in her stride. Her calm temperament, love of people, and her aptitude to sense people’s emotions have meant that she is a natural in the role and is a welcome addition to the wellbeing team within NFRS.
"I am a Fire Safety Inspector with the Protection team, based in the fire safety hut at Bognor Fire Station.
My husband and I rescued Fitz in 2023, and I truly believe he wants to rescue everyone from a bad day. He knows when people are having a rough time and insists on prescribing hugs – he’s more effective than a gym membership!
Fitz and I are eager to be part of OK9 and be a safe space for anyone to vent and offload to. "