The state of Iowa’s first ever therapy dog to work at a police station has crossed the rainbow bridge on Monday, December 02, the Iowa State University Police (ISUPD) shares in an Instagram post.
The therapy dog, a Golden Retriever named Zosia, was originally born in Poland but lived in Iron Hill Retrievers in Delmar, IA for the first five years of her life.
Her career as a therapy dog began in October 2017 after going through rigorous training.
“Zosia began volunteering at multiple organizations in Story County and warmed the hearts of many,” ISUPD shared.
And it was on March of 2019 when she finally became the first therapy dog to work at a police station in the state of Iowa.
She worked with ISUPD for over five years before retiring in May of this year.
In ISUPD’s heartfelt message to Zosia, they revealed how the pooch touched the lives of thousands of community members and how “her kind and caring soul helped so many.”
“The majority of her time was spent comforting individuals working through mental health related concerns,” the Police Department shares.
“She responded to crisis calls, visited classrooms and residence halls, helped with mental health trainings, greeted incoming students at orientation, and supported individuals who came to talk about the difficult things they were experiencing.”
“She loved on people so well,” ISUPD Mental Health Advocate Supervisor and Zosia’s owner, Kinsey Hauser told the Iowa State Daily. “It didn’t matter who you are, what you’d gone through, she didn’t care. She loved everyone the same.”
Aside from being a therapy dog, ISUPD also shares how Zosia was the “best mom”.
“She had a few litters of puppies and multiple were donated to service dog organizations,” ISUPD reveals.
Zosia is reportedly survived by Hauser and her family, her grandson Zebediah, and great granddaughters Sydni and Lena.
“Zosia will be profoundly missed, fondly remembered, and forever cherished,” ISUPD wrote.
“Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren and the work they do at the Iowa State University Police Department.”