It’s likely you've heard of Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service that supports officers and staff across the country. But did you know that Oscar Kilo has its own dedicated wellbeing dogs? Known as OK9s, these specially assessed dogs are part of the service's offering.
We caught up with Carol Lafferty, a dog training sergeant based at Sellafield, and her 10-year-old Labrador, Fergie. Together, they're an official OK9 pairing, and they’re available to support you.
So, what exactly is an OK9 dog?
OK9 Wellbeing Dogs aren't just any friendly furry face. They’re carefully assessed to make sure they have exactly the right temperament for the role. Calm, people-focused, and gentle, they're as comfortable pottering around a busy control room as they are sitting quietly with someone who needs a moment. Every OK9 handler is also a trained Mental Health First Aider, which means Carol doesn't just bring Fergie along for a cuddle; she can help you find the right support if you need it, from financial advice to anxiety resources and everything in between.
What does Fergie actually do?
She works her magic just by being there. Carol has taken her into control rooms, staff forums, and training sessions, and the effect is immediate. Carol told us: "Shoulders drop. People hit the floor, they're rolling around with her, and all of a sudden, barriers just seem to disappear."
In one memorable session with operational officers recalling stressful incidents, Fergie quietly got up and went to each person as they began talking about something difficult, offering comfort without being asked. "I couldn't train that," Carol says. "It's just something innately in her."
This isn't just for when things are really tough
Carol is keen to get the message out that you don't have to be in crisis to ask for a visit. She explained: "It doesn't have to be the end of the world. It can just be a case of: "Will you come into the mess room for a meet-and-greet?" Sometimes things can just be nipped in the bud with a brew and a dog running around."
Whether you've had a tough set of shifts, you're feeling the pressure, or your team would benefit from a morale boost, Fergie and Carol are here for it. And they’re not the only ones. A network of OK9 dogs across the country means CNC officers are never far from a four-legged friend. You can request a visit through Oscar Kilo, and if Carol can't make it, another OK9 handler in your area will.