Labrador retriever joins VSP to reduce stress and anxiety

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) - Virginia State Police has gained a new member, courtesy of Mutts With A Mission.

A Labrador retriever named Vader has joined VSP in their Department’s Wellness Program, as his role is reduce stress and anxiety among individuals.

VSP says police officers experience higher rates of trauma exposure than the general population and facility dogs, such as Vader, is a tool to promote officer resilience.

Vader was donated by Mutts With A Mission, a Virginia Beach based non-profit which specializes in training facility and service dogs to serve veterans, wounded warriors, and first responders.