St. Charles therapy dog spreads paw-sitive feelings through the community

Last year, the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish St. Peters and Progress West Hospitals provided funding for a therapy dog for the St. Charles County Police Department to support the community’s mental health.

The dog is a black Labrador retriever named Millie, and the donation provided supplies for her handler, Officer Stephen Schue, along with a one-week training program for certification as a Therapy Services Canine with Good Citizen accreditation from the American Kennel Club.

“The St. Charles County Police Department recognizes the benefits to the community and truly values commitment from BJC HealthCare for our therapy canine, Millie,” said Kurt Frisz, Chief of Police. Millie and her handler have visited local schools in St. Charles County to address their mental health needs.

One such school was Daniel Boone Elementary, where she comforted the grieving classmates of a six-year-old boy who recently passed away in a house fire. Millie’s calm and kind demeanor allows her to assist with emotional or traumatic calls for service, which was especially helpful for students mourning the loss of their friend.

“Forging such meaningful and lasting relationships leads to more effective police services. Canine Millie has already made a significant impact in our schools and associated BJC facilities, and we’re confident this impact will only continue to grow,” said Chief Frisz. “The St. Charles County Police Department is proud to be a part of this program.”

She also visits with patients at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and Progress West Hospital in addition to community events with the St. Charles County Police Department.

“Supporting the mental health needs of our community is extremely important for us at BJC HealthCare,” said Mark Turnipseed, director of the Barnes-Jewish St. Peters and Progress West Foundation. “Society has been talking about the need for more resources for youth for some

time now, and we are proud that we can offer the type of support that can be seen in action. We are excited for Millie to bring support to more of our community alongside Officer Schue and the St. Charles County Police Department.”