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Peachtree City Police Department welcomes new therapy dog, K9 Tilly

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. — There’s a new K9 on the force at the Peachtree City Police Department -- and pets are welcome!

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K9 Tilly is joining the department as its first therapy dog. The five-year-old female collie is a registered therapy dog with the national organization Alliance of Therapy Dog and a member of CAREing Paws, an animal therapy group in Georgia.

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“The intent of therapy dogs in policing is to reach citizens on a different level,” police said on Facebook. “Dogs are often a great conversation starter and make officers more approachable and strengthens the relationship within the community.”

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Therapy dogs are also used to help people in the community in times of crisis, as well as helping police officers cope during traumatic events.

“Tilly loves being petted, so when you see us at local events please say hello,” police said.