Lanark County Paramedic Service Partners with Canadian Veterans Service Dog Unit
September 03, 2025
Montague, Ontario – Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS), together with
its Peer Support Team, is proud to announce a new partnership with the Canadian
Veterans Service Dog Unit (CVSDU), a national not-for-profit organization
dedicated to supporting Canadian veterans and first responders living with
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and operational stress injuries (OSIs).
CVSDU trains highly skilled service dogs that provide life-changing
support, independence, and resilience to those they serve. Before entering
formal training, each dog must be gradually introduced to a variety of people,
places, and sounds. LCPS bases will now provide a safe, supportive environment
for this essential early socialization between calls, helping prepare
confident, capable service animals while also bringing moments of comfort and
connection to paramedics on shift.
“This is an incredible partnership that will benefit both our staff and
the future service dogs being trained,” said Tristan Layer, Commander of
Operations at LCPS. “Our bases provide the perfect environment for
socialization, and our teams are proud to play a role in advancing the
important mission of CVSDU.”
As part of the initiative, CVSDU staff and their dogs may accompany the
LCPS Peer Support Team during monthly base visits and may also join
Superintendents on routine rounds. The first visit is scheduled for
September 5, 2025.
“Paramedics face unique pressures in their work, and wellness support is
essential,” added Travis Mellema, Chief of Lanark County Paramedic Service.
“Welcoming CVSDU dogs into our stations not only helps prepare them for
service, but also provides our paramedics with the comfort, calm, and positive
energy that animals naturally bring. This partnership is truly a win for both
organizations, and for the veterans, first responders, and communities we are
privileged to serve.”
“We are proud to partner with Lanark County Paramedic Service to support
the training of our future service dogs,” said Dwayne Sawyer, President, CVSDU.
“These animals play a life-changing role in the lives of veterans and first
responders living with post-traumatic stress disorder and operational stress
injuries. This collaboration not only helps prepare the dogs for their
important work, but also strengthens the connection between our organizations
as we work together to support the health and resilience of those who serve.”
This collaboration highlights LCPS’s ongoing commitment to the health
and wellness of its staff, while contributing to CVSDU’s mission of empowering
veterans and first responders through the healing bond between handler and dog.
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Media Contact:
Caitlin O’Hara, Communications Lead
Mississippi River Health Alliance
613-621-9638
caohara@mrha.ca
About Lanark County Paramedic Service
Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) provides
essential pre-hospital emergency medical care to residents and visitors across
Lanark County. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, LCPS paramedics are the
first point of contact for many in emergency situations, responding to a wide
range of medical and trauma-related calls. With a strong commitment to
innovation, professionalism, and community partnerships, LCPS is dedicated to
enhancing the health and safety of the region. For more information, visit www.lanarkcountyparamedicservice.ca.
About
the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA)
The Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) was
formed in 2016 to formalize and strengthen collaboration between the Almonte
General Hospital Corporation—which includes Almonte General Hospital (AGH),
Fairview Manor (FVM), and the Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS)—and the
Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Corporation (CPDMH). This
partnership delivers seamless, high-quality healthcare that addresses the
evolving needs of local communities. Together, the MRHA is building an
integrated healthcare system that provides comprehensive care close to home,
enhancing access and improving health outcomes throughout the region. For more
information visit www.MRHA.ca.