Braintree Firefighter Launches GoFundMe to Bring Therapy Dog to First Responders

Everyone needs a hug and a lick to get them through a rough day.

A Braintree firefighter wants to support first responders by connecting them with a therapy dog. The Patch of Braintree reported that Andrew Leneweaver has launched a crowdsourcing campaign to support the fire department's adoption and training of a therapy dog, “Halli Halligan.” 

Halli Halligan is a three-month-old blonde Labrador retriever. She is currently being prepared to join the Braintree Fire Department as a sworn-in firefighter.

“This dog will serve as a resource for all first responders and public servants in Braintree and the surrounding communities,” Leneweaver wrote on a GoFundMe page. “She will be the first of her kind in this area and will be available to respond to traumatic incidents and critical events, helping to reduce stress, promote wellness, and ultimately save lives.”

In addition to supporting emergency workers and first responders, Halli will also assist local school students and faculty during crises.

Suicide and post-traumatic stress are ever-present realities for emergency personnel. Therapy dogs who are specially trained to detect and respond to mental health problems can offer a unique form of crisis therapy.

All training and ongoing care for Halli will be funded through donations, not by the Braintree Fire Department.

According to the Patch, the campaign aims to raise $7,000 and has already surpassed the halfway mark.