Crisis Canines of the Midlands

Crisis Canines of the Midlands Crisis Canines of the Midlands is a non-profit serving to deploy Crisis Response K9 teams in Iowa

Crisis Canines of the Midlands is a non-profit 501c3 organization. Our mission is to support Crisis Response K9 teams, which consist of a first responder handler partnered with a nationally certified Therapy Dog. In addition to providing financial support for these teams through donations from individuals and businesses, we also develop and implement training and deployment protocols to maintain c

onsistent professional standards. A Crisis Response K9 team can perform a wide variety of services to fellow first responders and to the community. Examples of “deployments” over and above being an extension of the handler’s daily duties within their agency would include the following:

Public events
Community outreach and engagement
Major/traumatic incidents
School demonstrations
Grief, loss and trauma support
Natural disaster incidents
Victim forensic interviews
Criminal investigations/interviews
Crisis intervention
Medical facility visits (hospitals, nursing homes, VA clinics, etc.) Staff wellness and peer support
Service in partnership with government and non-profit organizations who address the effects of trauma, mental health and crime. Our goal is to grow the Crisis Response K9 program in Iowa to the level that teams are available state-wide to respond to any any critical incident, disaster, or other event where a therapy K9 can help reduce the stress of the first responders or the people involved.

08/21/2025
Happy 2nd Birthday today to one of our favorites, Maverick. Maverick's human handler is Jeff Anderson. Have a great da...
08/19/2025

Happy 2nd Birthday today to one of our favorites, Maverick. Maverick's human handler is Jeff Anderson. Have a great day Maverick 🥳 🐾

If you look up the definition of “above and beyond the call of duty” in the dictionary, there is no doubt that you will ...
08/16/2025

If you look up the definition of “above and beyond the call of duty” in the dictionary, there is no doubt that you will see a picture of Dixie Walker! 
We are thrilled to see Dixie (and her partner K9 Nala) getting some much deserved recognition for everything that they do to make the world a better place. Congrats Dixie! 

🌟 SRO Spotlight: Officer Dixiana Walker, Altoona Police Department🌟

We’re proud to kick off our IASRO Monthly Highlight with Officer Dixiana Walker of the Altoona Police Department — a true example of going above and beyond for her students.

When Officer Walker began her role as a School Resource Officer at Willowbrook Elementary, she noticed some students struggling to understand the safety lessons she was teaching — a struggle she knew all too well from her own childhood as a Spanish-speaking student learning English.

Instead of letting those students fall behind, she created a Spanish/English dual-language safety program covering several law related education topics. This program not only helps students understand the material — it helps them feel seen, valued, and proud of their language and culture.

Teachers and administrators praise Officer Walker for the trust and connections she’s built, and local media has taken notice as well. Read more about her amazing work here:

🔗 https://apbweb.com/2025/02/iowa-officer-builds-bridges-by-breaking-the-language-barrier/
🔗 https://www.weareiowa.com/article/life/heartwarming/altoona-police-officer-willowbrook-elementary-school-dixiana-walker/524-b1de8ae0-2d47-455b-b7dd-043e40556495

Officer Walker — thank you for turning your own life experience into a source of hope and empowerment for students. You’re making a lasting difference in your community and setting an example for SROs across Iowa. 👏

08/14/2025
08/13/2025
08/13/2025
08/13/2025
What a great team! These two are going to make a difference!
08/12/2025

What a great team! These two are going to make a difference!

August 11th, 2025

Jasper County Sheriff Brad Shutts is proud to announce the introduction of Deputy Josh Britton and his Crisis Response Therapy Dog in training, John “Johnny Bolt”, as the new School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Baxter Community School District. This initiative is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and students.

Deputy Britton, a member of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, brings extensive experience in community policing, D.A.R.E. education, and youth engagement. Paired with Johnny, a Crisis Response Therapy Dog in training, the duo will provide a comforting and supportive presence in the school while also serving as a resource for students, faculty, and staff.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is a top priority of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Britton and Johnny will not only help maintain a secure learning environment but also build meaningful connections with students.

Johnny, an in-training Crisis Response Therapy Dog, will be equipped to assist students experiencing stress, anxiety, or trauma. His presence in the school setting will provide emotional support and contribute to a more positive and inclusive environment once he is nationally certified this fall.

Deputy Britton and Johnny will begin their new roles beginning the 25/26 school year, engaging with students, providing safety education, and assisting in crisis situations as needed. This collaboration between the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and the Baxter Community School District reflects a shared commitment to proactive school safety and student well-being.

For immediate release:

Brad M. Shutts, Sheriff

08/11/2025

K9 Steve wants you to know that Crisis Canines of the Midlands trains therapy dogs to provide comfort and support for first responders.

This Tuesday, stop by our State Fair booth between 11 and 2 to meet K9 Kai!

Steve loved coloring with new friends at the Office of the Attorney General of Iowa booth at the Iowa State Fair yesterd...
08/11/2025

Steve loved coloring with new friends at the Office of the Attorney General of Iowa booth at the Iowa State Fair yesterday!!

🐾 Stop by the Attorney General’s booth at the this week to give some love to your favorite 4 legged heroes!! 🐾Office of...
08/11/2025

🐾 Stop by the Attorney General’s booth at the this week to give some love to your favorite 4 legged heroes!! 🐾

Office of the Attorney General of Iowa
Jasper County Sheriff's Office, Iowa
JCSO Crisis Response Canine Unit
Iron Hill Retrievers
Linden Creek Golden Retrievers

08/09/2025

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Colfax, IA

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