NYPD Utilizes Therapy Dogs to Aid Officers in Overcoming Stress from Traumatic Shooting Incident in Midtown
Therapy Dogs Provide Comfort and Relief to NYPD Officers After Traumatic Event
In the aftermath of a mass shooting at 345 Park Ave. on July 28, 2025, which tragically claimed four lives, therapy dogs were brought in to offer emotional support to the brave officers of the NYPD's 19th Precinct.
The therapy dogs, provided by NYPD Health and Wellness, Puppies Behind Bars, and Chief Larry Rotta with his pooch Eddie from the Tuckahoe Police Department, instantly lit up the police officers with joy. The labradors eagerly rushed to greet the men and women in blue, offering comfort and a moment of respite from the emotional toll of the incident.
Some police officers crouched down for a quick pet while others sat on the floor with open arms, allowing the pups to jump on them and lick their faces. One police officer even asked a therapy dog to tell him a story, prompting the dog to lay on his legs.
Capt. Julieann Stapleton praised the officers for their quick response and bravery, acknowledging that the emotional weight of such incidents is something they carry with them throughout their lives. Chief of Department John Chell also acknowledged the psychological effect the event had on personnel, stating that he was shaken by the level of death and destruction he witnessed after the shooting.
Gloria Gilbert Stoga of Puppies Behind Bars stated that dogs have a unique ability to comfort officers who are hurting, especially in the wake of tragedy. The impact of the therapy dogs is significant and memorable, according to Chief Rotta.
This approach aligns with broader evidence that therapy dogs can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of trauma, providing a nonjudgmental presence that helps individuals, including first responders, to regain emotional balance after critical incidents. The inclusion of therapy dogs from trusted programs like Puppies Behind Bars underscores a coordinated effort to support officer wellbeing in the immediate post-trauma period.
In conclusion, the visit from therapy dogs served as a much-needed source of comfort and relief for the officers at the 19th Precinct, helping them to cope with the aftermath of the traumatic event and providing a positive contribution to their mental health and wellness.
[1] NYPD Health and Wellness: https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/about/nyc-police-department-health-and-wellness.page [2] Puppies Behind Bars: https://www.puppiesbehindbars.org/ [3] Chief Larry Rotta: https://www.tuckahoe-ny.gov/government/departments/police/chief-larry-rotte [4] Benefits of Therapy Dogs for First Responders: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6158658/
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