COME JOIN THE PAW-TY BSO THERAPY K9 OLIVIA

BY STACEY BOMSER PHOTOS COURTESY WESTON BSO

THE BROWARD SHERIFF’S OFFICE WESTON

District is hosting a special event for families and friends with special needs. Paw-ty with Olivia will be held on Saturday, April 1st from 10 am to 1 pm at the City of Weston Police Services Center.

Olivia is the BSO Weston Therapy K9. As a therapy dog, Olivia is trained to provide love, comfort, emotional support, and affection to people in need. This includes people suffering from a mental health crisis, individuals who have been involved in a traumatic event, school children coping with tragedies, and much more.

Olivia works with Deputy Danielle Quinones. The dynamic duo completed the Paws & Stripes College at Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in 2021. They successfully completed the K9s United requirements and standards for a Multi-Discipline Therapy K9 Team and the Law Enforcement Investigative Therapy Dog Course.

Although Olivia is a trained law enforcement officer, she spends most of her days visiting schools and independent and assisted living facilities, as well as attending community events, such as the recent Weston Winter Safety Expo.

It’s her popularity at programs such as that, along with the tremendous work she does with special needs and at-risk students, that helped prompt Paw-ty with Olivia.

“For the past year, our very own BSO Weston therapy K9, Olivia, has been working with special needs and disabled students of all ages in our local Weston schools,” said Deputy Quinones. “We thought it would be special to celebrate with our community and introduce her to those that have not met her or do not get to see her on a regular basis.”

Paw-ty with Olivia is intended for families and friends with disabilities and special needs. The free event will feature meet and greets with Olivia along with sensory activities, arts and crafts, a chance to paint a police car, and a ninja warrior course for those with all abilities. There will also be informational booths by agencies and businesses serving the autism and special needs community.

“Deputy Quinones and Olivia have established positive and interactive relationships with our community members,” explains Captain Sam Cavalieri, who serves as Weston Police Chief. “Our therapy K9 program has helped with those afraid to approach or interact with police officers. We want to continue to build stronger lines of communication with those with disabilities and special needs.”

In addition to interacting with children during her school visits, Deputy Quinones says Olivia also enjoys spending time with older residents.

“One of her favorite activities to participate in is Seniors and Snuggles,” shares Deputy Quinones. “She spends her time with the memory care patients, helping them relax, reduce anxiety, lower the feeling of loneliness, and even help recall memories.”

According to Deputy Quinones, as a Therapy K9 Olivia is used to enhance interactions with both adults and children; to help create rapport; relieve anxiety; improve communication; and reduce stress while supporting individuals with social interaction skills, especially those with special needs.

“K9 Olivia has such an instantaneous effect on everyone she comes into contact with,” said Deputy Quinones. “She always has a smile on her face when she is around people!”

Families and friends with disabilities and special needs wanting to attend the Paw-ty with Olivia are asked to pre-register at https://www.signupgenius.com/ go/10c0f4ba8a723a3fec43-pawty.

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