Stanley, the De Pere Fire and Rescue Department's therapy dog, poses with Stanley stuffed animal. PC: De Pere Fire Rescue
DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) — The holidays bring the season of giving; both in donations to organizations, and by finding a perfect present for your loved ones. Now, the De Pere Fire and Rescue Department is offering an opportunity to do both at the same time.
The department is selling Stanley stuffed animals; a plush toy version of the De Pere Fire and Rescue Department’s therapy dog in training.
“We thought this would be a neat way to get the community involved, and everybody loves Stanley,” said Assistant Chief Jack Mlnarik. “He’s pretty popular because he’s been to all the schools for fire prevention month, and we had an open house here where he was out and about. He’s very well known in our community.”
Stanley stuffed animals are $20 (cash or check only) and can be picked up at De Pere Fire Rescue’s Station No. 1 while supplies last.
Funds raised from the sales will go towards Stanley’s future expenses.
“He’s in a good citizenship class right now, and there’s a bunch of other classes for the therapy dog portion of his training,” said Mlnarik. “He has a bunch of different tests he has to do in order to be compliant as a therapy dog, and all of that is quite expensive.”
Even after Stanley becomes certified, he will be required to attend refresher courses throughout his career as a therapy dog.
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