The Maple Ridge RCMP's new canine companion is also a friend of the Invictus Games.
These games are for wounded, injured and ill veterans and armed forces members. Loki, with primary handler Alysen Cox, is one of 19 dogs from the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society at the games underway in Vancouver and Whistler to provide support for competitors.
The games run from Feb. 8-16, featuring 500 competitors from 25 nations, coming for the first winter Invictus Games. There are skiing, snowboarding, curling, wheelchair basketball and other events.
The kickoff event at BC Place Stadium featured Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, who founded the games in 2014. He was joined by Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, Coldplay's Chris Martin performing the Games anthem, and others.
At the end of November, the Ridge Meadows detachment and city announced Loki had passed probation, and joined its team. From the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) Avengers Litter, Loki joined the Ridge Meadows RCMP team and has proven invaluable.
Loki’s primary role is to provide wellness support to RCMP members and city employees, helping to improve mental and physical well-being in a demanding and stressful field – from comforting employees after traumatic incidents to participating in employee events.
Studies have shown that dogs can have a positive neurochemical effect on individuals affected by trauma, through playtime or simply laying on someone’s lap.
