CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle County Emergency Communications Center has a new staffer to help them with “ruff” times, a therapy dog for 911 call-takers and dispatchers, according to an ECC release.

Selso, a 2-year old Labrador mix, is a station dog trained by K9s for Warriors based in Ponte Vedra, FL.

“K9s For Warriors, the nation’s leading provider of trained Service Dogs to Veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma, also partners with law enforcement and first responder agencies to provide high-quality therapy dogs at no financial cost,” according to the ECC announcement. “These dogs provide emotional support to police officers, firefighters, dispatchers, victims, and others exposed to trauma in the line of duty every day.”

Selso entered the K9s for Warriors Station Dog program last April after being rescued from El Paso Animal Services in El Paso, TX and his training took him to emergency communications centers, hospitals, fire rescue stations, and law enforcement agencies.

He quickly demonstrated a natural ability to connect with people through a friendly, calm demeanor, according to the ECC release.

“Station Dogs like Selso are trained to provide a steady, calming presence for first responders who are exposed to crisis and trauma every day”, said Greg Wells, Army Veteran, former law enforcement officer and K9s For Warriors Director of the Station Dog Program. “Our goal is to support the mental and emotional well-being of those who continue to show up for their communities, and we’re confident Selso will bring comfort, connection and moments of relief to the CUA ECC team.”

Selso spends his time wandering the emergency dispatch floor where he has become an essential calming presence to the team, especially during busy shifts or high-tension situations in the 9-1-1 call center, according to Lily Gregg, Executive Director of the ECC.

“Our 911 dispatchers are the invisible first responders—they are the calm voices guiding our community through their worst moments, and that work can take a mental toll,” said Gregg. “Bringing in Selso is a direct investment in our people with a focus on their resilience and wellness.”

“Selso is trained with multiple therapeutic skills, including deep pressure therapy,” the release said. “He intuitively rests his weight on a staff member’s lap whenever he senses tension or fatigue.”

K9s for Warriors trains dogs for different duties depending on their demeanors and skills.

“Every day in the United States, roughly 20 Veterans take their own lives and more than 1,000 dogs are euthanized. K9s For Warriors is working every day to end Veteran suicide by providing life-changing Service Dogs,” according to the ECC release. “As a part of its mission, K9s For Warriors also provides Station Dogs to first responders and law enforcement across the country through an American Kennel Club recognized Therapy Dog program.”

Station Dogs are not diverted from the Service Dog programs for veterans.

“Station Dogs are not Service Dogs and do not have rights or legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act,” according to the release.

As for the ECC, Gregg said, “When we care for the well-being of our dispatchers, they are better equipped to remain focused, sharp, and compassionate in their service to the community.”