River, Crisis Response K9

River, Crisis Response K9 River is trained to offer a calming presence in challenging situations Allance of Therapy Dogs (ATD). Crisis Response Therapy K9.

River, a nationally certified Crisis Response Therapy K9, partners with EMA Deputy Director Steve Ashing to provide support to first responders and the public after critical incidents. A Crisis Response K9 Team is defined as a Nationally Certified Therapy Dog with an additional Crisis Response endorsement, paired with a First Responder handler.

“River”, was trained and certified as a Therapy K9 w

ith a Crisis Response Endorsement in 2024. Paired with her handler, EMA Deputy Director Steve Ashing, she provides comfort and peer support to responders in other agencies, and to the general public in the aftermath of a critical incident or disaster. Her training has been specialized for the first responder world – ready to respond with little to no notice, providing a calm, comforting presence in the face of intense emotion, grief, and even chaos. River and her handler are capable of serving at many levels, from providing peer support for other first responders during debriefings, to responding to incidents at schools or other public events or facilities, aiding the public in the aftermath of a casualty or disaster. The Therapy K9 program also offers an exceptional opportunity for public relations to all of Jasper County community through educational outreach appearances at community and school events. River is certifed by the AKC as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Urban CGC, Community Canine (CGCA).

04/17/2026
04/17/2026
01/22/2026
10/22/2025

A tribute to Bill Deckett, a dedicated teacher and fire chief in East Tawas, Michigan, whose lifelong service and heroism have profoundly impacted his community.

🐾🇺🇸 Happy National Dog Day! 🇺🇸🐾Today we celebrate our very own Crisis Canine, River 🐕💙.River is more than just a loyal c...
08/26/2025

🐾🇺🇸 Happy National Dog Day! 🇺🇸🐾

Today we celebrate our very own Crisis Canine, River 🐕💙.
River is more than just a loyal companion—she’s a source of comfort, strength, and calm for first responders and community members during their toughest moments.

From wagging tails to steady paws, River reminds us that sometimes the best medicine is a wet nose and a kind heart. ❤️

Join us in thanking River (and all working dogs) for the incredible impact they make every single day.

07/27/2025

Address

1030 W. 2nd Street S
Newton, IA
50208

Telephone

+16417927555

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