Lucy, a Toy Poodle from Delaware and an AKC Therapy Dog Supreme, has been nominated for the 2026 First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award. The award recognizes therapy dogs that support first responders.
“Lucy has been training since she was a puppy and became a certified therapy dog at about 18 months old,” Veronica Dickerson, Lucy’s handler, said. “Lucy began training through Wigglebutts as a puppy, where she completed her AKC Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog evaluations. She became registered with the First Responder Therapy Dogs and began doing therapy work with first responders. She earned her AKC Therapy Dog title and continued her therapy visits over the years, eventually earning her AKC Therapy Dog Supreme title after completing at least 600 documented therapy visits.”
Dickerson explained that Lucy got involved with therapy for first responders when Dickerson recognized there was a need for more mental health resources within the first responder community.
“I especially saw it while working as an EMT and in the 911 environment,” Dickerson said. “Her calm and affectionate personality made her a natural fit. She loves being held and petted and her small size makes her especially easy to have around the 911 center, where she can sit in someone’s lap while they work.”
Public voting for Lucy is open through October 19, and Lucy is one of 23 dogs competing for a spot among 10 finalists.
“She may be a tiny toy poodle,” Dickerson said. “But she has become a very meaningful part of the first responder community and I’m very proud of the work she does.”
Vote for Lucy by visiting the First Responder Paws Award page.
