'He touched the hearts of many': Therapy puppy at N.B. fire department dies in his sleep
A beloved Labrador retriever puppy owned by a New Brunswick fire department has died.
Eight-week-old Murphy, the Riverview fire department’s “facility dog,” passed away in his sleep overnight Wednesday.
“In the short time he was with us, he touched the heart of many people in our community,” said Fire Chief Robin True in a news release.
Murphy joined the department two weeks ago as a therapy dog for firefighters.
The puppy was part of the facility dog program provided by Canine Therapy for First Responders Atlantic.
“Our support for the program is as strong as ever, and when the time is right, we will renew this program in Riverview,” said True.
“The Facility Dog program is a valuable part of the mental health support system for our First Responders, as Murphy taught us.”
Tracey Ryan, the president of Canine Therapy for First Responders Atlantic, says her team will work with veterinarians at the University of Prince Edward Island’s veterinary college to determine what caused Murphy’s death.
“Our hearts go out to Riverview Fire and Rescue, our handler’s families, and the entire Town as we mourn this special puppy,” said Ryan.
The Town of Riverview says mental health support will continue to be prioritized for its staff at this time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.