WEEK OF MARCH 21, 2024
VOLUME 122 | ISSUE 17
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When heartache strikes, Castle Rock’s police therapy dogs leap into action
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Castle Rock Police Officer Tom O’Donnell and therapy dog Buddy at Festival Park in Castle Rock. They are part of the department’s growing therapy dog program, which is part of the school resource officers program and community response teams.
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PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD
BY MCKENNA HARFOD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
After seventh-grader Alex Mackiewicz in Highlands Ranch was killed by a driver that ran a red light, Master Officer Tom O’Donnell responded
to the call. He didn’t show up at the intersection where Mackiewicz had been riding his “onewheel” scooter. Instead, he went to Mountain Ridge Middle School to console students and staff. And, he brought along his new partner, Buddy, an eight-
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month-old English labrador. Students and staff at the school stroked Buddy’s soft fur, gave him hugs, and let him ease a hard day in a way that no human could.
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