JCSO Crisis Response Canine Unit

09/19/2026

Poppy spent the morning visiting with campers at Iowa Donor Network Camp Legacy. Thank you for inviting us.

09/11/2026

08/28/2026

One of our fellow Crisis Canine teams doing great work.

"Crisis K9 Abby made a difference when I needed it most." 💚🐾

Meet Katelyn, an EMS dispatcher at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center who experiences firsthand the highs, lows and emotional weight that come with helping coordinate emergency care every day.

As an EMS dispatcher, Katelyn is often the voice behind the scenes during some of life's most critical moments. Her days are filled with Air Med flights, cardiac arrests, traumas, appointments, discharges and everything in between. While she wishes she could say the job is stress-free, the reality is quite the opposite.

One particularly difficult day, a series of events left Katelyn feeling emotionally drained. Searching for a moment to regroup, she sat quietly on the floor of her office, trying to process everything that had happened.

That's when Abby arrived.

The familiar jingle of Abby's collar echoed down the hallway. The golden retriever trotted into the room, spotted Katelyn sitting on the floor and, without hesitation, climbed right into her lap.

"Instantly, I was grounded by the puppy pressure," Katelyn recalled. "The stress and frustration melted away, and I felt genuine joy. I didn't know I needed saved that day, but Abby did."

For those working in EMS and healthcare, stress and burnout are all too common. That's why Abby's role is so important. Whether she's comforting team members after a difficult call or bringing peace to patients and families, her presence serves as a reminder that caregivers are human, too.

Katelyn doesn't often get to witness the patient side of Abby's work, but she knows the difference Abby made in her own life that day.

"Thank you, Abby, for bringing me joy in a moment I didn't know joy could even exist. Your presence helps me do my job better and helps me be a better colleague to my team."

Some heroes wear uniforms. Some have four paws and a wagging tail!

05/02/2026

Come visit Poppy, Delta, and Honor at HyVee.

04/25/2026

K9 Poppy ready to meet kids during Health Kids Day at Newton YMCA.

Crisis Canines of the Midlands
Jasper County Sheriff's Office, Iowa

03/30/2026

Two years of impact, compassion, and incredible teamwork 💙🐾

Today we’re celebrating Poppy and Delta on their 2-year anniversary of being certified Crisis Canines! In that time, these amazing dogs (and their dedicated handlers) have brought comfort into some of life’s hardest moments—supporting individuals in crisis, standing beside first responders, and helping communities begin to heal.

From quiet moments of connection to large-scale deployments, Poppy and Delta have made a lasting difference simply by showing up with steady hearts and wagging tails. Their presence reminds us all of the power of empathy, patience, and unconditional support.

Thank you, Poppy and Delta, for the countless lives you’ve touched—and to their handlers for the commitment, training, and care that make this work possible. Here’s to many more years of making a difference together 🦮🦮

02/15/2026

02/13/2026

Look who's 3 today. Happy Birthday Poppy. When not working she enjoys a good afternoon nap in an oversized beanbag.