4-month-old therapy dog Millie joins Kannapolis Police Department

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — Kannapolis Police has its newest staff member and it comes in the form of a four-legged furry friend, the department announced on Monday.

4-month-old Millie is a therapy dog and will join the force after being generously donated by Dunkin Doodles in Waxhaw.

“When the recent tragic event in Charlotte happened and four law enforcement officers lost their lives, my family and I wanted to do something to help officers in our region and show our appreciation for everything they do every day for all of us,” Dunkin Doodles owner Taylor Wise said. “Our puppies are usually spoken for before they are born but we had two, Millie and her sister, Phoebe, who did not have a home. We felt like this was their purpose – to be therapy dogs for law enforcement.”

Millie’s sister Phoebe was previously donated to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

“Millie has already made a difference in our department,” Kannapolis Police Chief Terry Spry said. “She is helping us deal with the trauma of the difficult things we see every day. When they see her, our officers start to relax and smile. She is an uplifting part of our day.”

Millie will be joined by her handler, Lt. Smith, and both will undergo a six-week training course.

“Once Millie completes her training you will see her at community events and around City Hall serving as a therapy dog for other city staff,” Spry said. “We are very appreciative of Taylor’s gift of Millie to us. This gift of Millie and her connection to our officers will play a significant role in ensuring we look after the mental health of our officers and our community.”

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