A Neenah-Menasha firefighter saw a void among the help available for first responders dealing with the emotional toll of the job. So, he created his own solution.
Operation K9 Hero is the brainchild of Neenah-Menasha firefighter DuWayne Schwartz. He recently started the non-profit to help first responders and veterans.
“I’m passionate about the well-being of people in public safety and veterans, especially those with PTSD,” says Schwartz. “So, I wanted to find a way that would be less formal, something different.”
His something different is Tio. At nearly three years old, Tio is an emotional support dog. And, together, the two are now a certified therapy team. According to Schwartz, “Really no words are needed. Dogs just offer that therapeutic connection, be the conversation started and the ice breaker of that, hey you’re not alone and that we’re here for you and just petting the dog and that kind of thing.”