No bones about it, state dispatcher comfort dog Winni is now ready to serve

k9 comfort dog Winni dons a graduation cap during her graduation with her handler Abigail Rider (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - Governor Kelly Ayotte took time out on Tuesday to join New Hampshire 911 dispatchers and Department of Safety leadership in celebrating new comfort K-9 Winni's graduation from her training program alongside her handler, Supervisor Abigail Rider.

AT&T FirstNet provided a $7,000 grant to fund Winni's training program, and Winni and Abby also had support from local nonprofit Hero Pups, which specializes in training service and support dogs for first responders and veterans.

"Congratulations to Winni and her handler, Abby, on completing their training and joining the New Hampshire 911 team full time," said Gov. Ayotte. "I thank Abby and Winni for their dedication to supporting our hardworking 911 dispatchers, and partners Hero Pups and AT&T FirstNet for their expert guidance and support of Winni's training program."

"The mental health and wellbeing of our team is of critical importance," added New Hampshire Department of Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn. "Winni will be there for our dedicated employees amidst the most difficult of calls and incidents, and I look forward to watching her fully integrate with our staff. I am also proud of Supervisor Rider for the tremendous amount of time and effort she has given to this program."