Buffalo Grove, ILBuffalo Grove

The Buffalo Grove Police Department welcomes its newest member, therapy dog “Grady”⏤a 4-year-old American Labradoodle who is eager to make positive connections in the community.

 

A police therapy dog acts as a bridge between the Police Department and the community it serves.  The presence of a friendly and approachable therapy dog at public events, schools and community outreach initiatives can foster positive interactions and enhance trust between officers and residents. A therapy dogalso bring value within the department, offering comfort to officers.

 

Given Grady’s energetic personality and easy disposition, he naturally excelled in the therapy dog training and certification process. Grady holds a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification and meets all program requirements set forth by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

 

Grady is personally owned by his handler, Deputy Chief Spolar, and has been trained and certified as a therapy dog before joining the Department. A personally-owned dog ensures a strong bond and a reliable partnership while offering a cost-effective, efficient and impactful service to officer well-being and community engagement.

 

Grady and his handler, Deputy Police Chief Brian Spolar, are graduates of the SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Training Program and currently serve as a volunteer therapy dog team for the non-profit organization. The pair are also a registered therapydog team through Pet Partners, where they are tested and recertified every two years.