Police Chief's Dog Honored in Hall of Fame for His Volunteer Work

Once a week, Brookfield Police Chief Dan Tushaus brings his 3-year-old Labrador to the in Brookfield, where they visit with senior citizens in assisted living, offering company and comfort.

"Some of our clients we see that have different levels of dementia, they light up when they see him," Tushaus said. "If something comes up we have to miss a week, the people miss him. It's a distraction from everyday activity and it really brightens their day."

For their service, and the dog's exceptionally gentle character, the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association inducted Miller into the 2012 Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame March 3, after his veterinarian Lisa Schultz, at , recommended him. 

Tushaus and his dog went through training to get accredited last spring as a therapy team, and have since been volunteering with Pets Helping People, an organization that connected them to the Congregation Home, as well as the Agnesian HealthCare Kids Survival Kamp, a bereavement camp for children.

"These are children that have lost a significant person in their life," Tushaus said. "There's times they act out or are having a bad time with something, and that's when Miller steps up to the plate, and will spend time one on one with that child. Instantly they seem to relate with him and he gives them a kiss or a hug."

Tushaus said he decided to get involved with Pets Helping People because he had heard of pet-facilitated therapy, and noticed Miller had an especially calm and caring disposition.

"He's very loving," Tushaus said. "I thought this would be an opportunity to give back to the community and share him with other people."

More information about volunteering for Pets Helping People, or requesting a visit from volunteers, is on their website.