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Canton Police Department looks for help with Community Service Dog Program

By John Fitts

Staff Writer

Leo, with Officer Jonathan Phelps.

CANTON – K-9 Leo was recently welcomed to the Canton Police Department, and he could soon be the town’s official Community Service Dog – provided the department receives the necessary funding from area residents, service organizations and businesses.

Leo came to police in mid July and has spent much of his time since then with Officer Jonathan Phelps, as well as some time with Capt. Andrew Schiffer.

Already, Leo has boosted the morale of officers and other town employees, made a splash at local events and has helped comfort both children and adults who have visited the police station under less than ideal circumstances, Schiffer told Board of Selectmen members on Sept. 13 as the department pitched the idea of starting a fully community funded program.

“Leo’s an icebreaker; his friendliness helps us be more approachable to the community, which is why we’ve titled this program [as that of] a community service dog – not necessarily just a comfort dog or a therapy dog,” Schiffer said.

With a 4-1 Board of Selectmen vote that evening, the program – to be funded entirely through donations - is officially off the ground. Donations can be given via https://gofund.me/3851c77f or checks made payable to The Town of Canton, care of the Canton Police Department, 45 River Road, Canton CT 06019. Be sure to note Leo in the subject line.

The 5 and ½ month old lab was picked up by police along Gracey Road in mid July and a short time later, officers learned that the owner had decided not to keep the dog, police said.

And while an untold number of local residents would have been thrilled to take him, another idea emerged.

“During that time, officer Jon Phelps took the dog on a foster situation, so he didn’t have to stay in the pound,” Schiffer said. “While Jon was fostering, he recognized that hey this little fella has some potential.”

Phelps and his wide Alessandra have a 6-year-old lab, Gunnar, who was trained as therapy dog to help Phelp’s aunt with a traumatic brain injury.

In Leo, Phelps notice gentleness and behavior traits that could make for a good therapy dog.

Leo attends a Canton Board of Selectmen meeting.

“I took him home to take care of him for the time being - just to keep him out of the pound - but pretty quickly we realized that Leo had the potential to do something great for this community and he could change people’s lives,” Phelps said.

Phelps also realized that a police therapy dog’s training is a bit more intense and he researched communities with similar programs, including Simsbury and Farmington.

A master trainer with the North American Police Work Dog Association has also evaluated Leo, police department officials said.

“All the puzzle pieces started falling into place for the dog,” Phelps said. “It just fell into our lap and it was literally a miracle that this all worked out and that we could do this, but it’s going to be a fun process seeing this come to fruition.”

The process was indeed a little different than many towns that decide to have such a program ahead of time and purchase a specially trained dog from an organization that specializes in such work.

Years ago, a proposal to have a community dog program in Canton did not get the support of administrators in place at the time, said Sgt. Derek Messier, who is President of the Canton Police FOP Lodge 44. Messier appreciates not only the way is Leo great for the department and the community, but also the way the program fell into place organically.

“In a lot of ways it’s serendipity,” he said. “I think that part about the organic beginnings of all this is really important for the public to understand too. We didn’t go out actively seeking this, it just kind of fell into our lap and it was a stroke of luck and serendipity that’s its kind of worked the way it has so far."

The department, however, knew that this wasn’t the time to ask for the program to be funded from the town coffers and thus proposed the community backed program. Even before the meeting, community groups had verbally committed more than $10,000 and other businesses have committed dog-related items.

“I think just from the initial support that we’ve seen from the public, it just gives you a real strong sense of the Canton community that they’ve already been very proactive and positive in their response to this idea and we are greatly appreciative of that,"Police Chief Christopher Arciero said.

“I think any time you can have the community invested in its public safety, and we have that mutual cooperation and mutual buy-in, it think it helps a lot,” Messier added.

That community piece is crucial in every respect, officers said. There's a reason Leo - which stands for Law Enforcement Officer - is known as Leo_Legitimus on Instagram.

“We figure since he’s community oriented and is going to be out there serving the community, that it would be cool if the community could back the whole program and we could run it off of donations for him,” Phelps said. “ We’ve gotten an outpouring of support already which is amazing to show that he really does have potential."

Now with that Board of Selectmen support, the department is actively seeking donations, hoping to raise $45,000 to fund the program for three years. While some selectmen were hoping to see that amount raised prior the program launch, the department said it’s crucial to begin training soon.

There is also no guarantee that Leo will successfully complete such training, although the department is very hopeful in the positive signs shown so far.

In all, the department anticipates a cost of $20,000 for the first year - driven up one-time costs, such as cruiser modification of approximately $6,000. Deborah Clark of K9 Search and Rescue is donating Leo’s training, but the department noted a donation to the organization as part of the initial expenses. Annual costs in future years are estimated closer to $11,000.

Phelps realizes that there is no guarantee he will be chosen as the handler. He said he’d love to do the job but supports the program no matter what. He believes it will help police reach members of the community.

Leo at the Canton Police Department. Submitted Photo.

“Sometimes it’s not the easiest thing to walk up to a police officer and say hi, so we want to build those relationships with the young community as they get older they know police officers, they know us," he said. "They see us as people they can come talk to. That’s what we really want is to make this community oriented and be able to build faith back in police officers, which has been lost over the last few years.”

Phelps sees so many situations for the dog to be of service – in the schools, among the elderly, to town employees, at local shopping centers and as a comfort to those in abusive and a myriad of other situations. He also said Leo is a bright spot for officers, firefighters, medics, DPW workers and other first responders, particularly after a difficult call.

“The cool thing about this program is that his training will never end. He’s going to keep learning, keep doing different things,” Phelps said. “We have very high hopes for him. The amount of stuff he’s already done with the community, it’s just crazy. He’s great with kids, he’s great with the elderly community; he makes a difference is the PD. He makes a huge difference with the guys.. It’s really crazy how this works and it makes a huge difference. … He has a ton of potential. There’s an endless amount of work for him to do.”

While Leo will have different tasks from the stereotypical picture of a K9 unit, police therapy dogs are a growing trend.

Leo rests next to Gunnar, a dog owned by Jonathan Phelps and his wife Alessandra. Submitted photo.

“It is an emerging trend in policing to have these community service dogs,” Arciero said. “That emerging trend, I think, is positive. It provides a benefit for the internal morale of the department members, not just the police, but everybody within the building. It provides a great connection for the department to the community and in today’s world, with a lot of the stressers coming out of the COVID era and everything. Having a community service dog could be a potential game change as far as improving relations with the community and the interaction with the police department.”

In addition to the Go Fund Me, updates can be found on the Canton Police Department pages on Facebook and instagram. Leo himself has an Instagram page as Leo_Legitimus and @leo.legitimus on Facebook.


Leo with Officer Jonathan Phelps.
Leo does his part at a Canton Police Department Child Safety Seat event.




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Valley Happenings

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or in advance at AVFD Headquarters, 25 Darling Drive, Avon (Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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