FirstNet Therapy Dog Program: ROG the Dog*

Compared to the general population, first responders experience higher rates of depression, PTSD, burnout, anxiety, and other mental health issues.**

Learn more

*Purvis, M., Fullencamp, L. & Docherty, M. (2020). Animal Assisted Therapy on Law Enforcement Mental Health: A Therapy Dog Implementation Guide. Bowling Green University.
**"ROG the Dog” is affectionately named for the Response Operations Group (ROG) Team at FirstNet.

Integrating wellness into the FirstNet mission—one dog at a time

Close-up of ROG the Dog (full-sized white poodle breed), with black  Therapy Dog vest/harness, staring to the left.

ROG the Dog, the FirstNet therapy dog

Animal-assisted therapy for first responders:

  • Has a positive impact on mental and physical health
  • Improves coping and recovery from critical events
  • Enhances morale in departments
  • Decreases emotional distress and anxiety
  • Reduces the negative impacts from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS)

When and where can first responders benefit from the FirstNet Therapy Dog Program?

  • Therapy dog deployment is available for FirstNet customers in the continental U.S.
  • Therapy dogs deploy to support significant events facing our public safety customers such as hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and other critical incidents
  • Critical events that have FirstNet, Built with AT&T, assets on site to assist with coordination

Program availability (PDF)

 

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