Orland Park police have added a second therapy dog to the department, a 15-pound female mix-breed named Petals, who will join the department’s existing therapy dog, Holly, to help residents cope with trauma and stress.
Both Holly and Petals are rescue dogs trained as therapy dogs at the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department Tales of Redemption Animal Shelter.
Petals is a 16-month old schnauzer-terrier mix who was originally rescued as a stray through Waggin’ Tails in Cicero. She completed her certification training in trauma-informed animal therapy and began work this month.
She will accompany officers during victim interviews, welfare checks, and community events, providing comfort to people in crisis.
Prior to joining the Orland Park Police Department, Petals participated in numerous deployments alongside the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, providing comfort and emotional support during a variety of community and critical incident responses.
While Petals has already completed extensive training, she will continue her professional development by attending the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Therapy Dog Certification Course in July to obtain official certification through the state.
She will be partnered with Orland Park Police Officer Daniel Minx, a veteran of the department. Petals will live with Minx and his wife, Korynn, and the couple’s 120-pound female St. Bernard named Maple. “They love playing together,” she said. “They’re hilarious to watch.”
Police Chief Eric Rossi said Petals gives the department another resource to help people who are going through difficult situations. “Having two dogs means we can reach more residents and be present in more places across the village.”
Holly, the department’s first therapy dog, began working with the department earlier this year.
The addition of Petals reflects growing recognition among law enforcement agencies that therapy dogs reduce anxiety and help victims feel safer during interviews and emergency responses.
The dogs are part of a broader trend in Illinois law enforcement. Several departments across the state have added therapy animals in recent years, citing research showing that the presence of animals can lower stress hormones and improve communication during traumatic situations.
Petals will be available for community events and will accompany officers during calls involving children, domestic violence, and other sensitive situations.
