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Sherburne County introduces therapy dog “Peach” for Health & Human Services outreach
Summary
Sherburne County staff introduced Peach, a 9‑week‑old therapy dog assigned to Health & Human Services, and described procurement approved in November 2024, planned training, veterinary and in‑kind support from local partners.
Sherburne County Health & Human Services staff introduced a new therapy dog, Peach, who began working with the department last week and will support mental‑health outreach and co‑response activities.
County staff said the county board approved procurement of the dog in November 2024 and staff identified a breeder; Peach flew from Kansas to begin training. Emily Mcnamus, identified in the meeting as Peach’s handler and an adult mental health outreach worker, told the board the dog will undergo a year‑long training program that begins with socialization and obedience and includes therapeutic techniques used during outreach and co‑response work. Staff described free lifetime veterinary services provided by Granite City in Saint Cloud and in‑kind donations from Spikes and Holes in Elk River for food, toys and bedding while Peach is in service.
Staff also noted volunteers and training partners will provide support: a person identified as “soldier 6” will assist free of charge with training. Commissioners and staff invited the room to meet Peach and reminded attendees to flag animal allergies before petting the dog.
Officials said county staff have created policies for therapy‑dog use and training and see the role as a legitimate, professionally managed function that supports veterans, seniors and clients in clinical and outreach settings.
