‘Happy to see her relax:’ RPS facility dog Merlot gets retirement party

Tia Froh always knew her facility dog Merlot could help people, but Froh never imagined how big of an impact Merlot would have on her community.

“I knew that she was going to be great and an asset to these vulnerable people that need it … It blew me away,” Froh said. “I have no other words other than (I’m) blown away.”

For the past eight years, Merlot has been at the side of children who have experienced violence or trauma.

Mayor Sandra Masters wishes Merlot a happy retirement on June 1, 2023. (Gillian Massie/980 CJME)

She celebrated her retirement Thursday afternoon with Regina Police Service officials and community members at Central Park. About 50 people including Chief Evan Bray and Mayor Sandra Masters watched as Merlot devoured her “pup cake.”

Merlot even had a few other dogs attend her party. Merlot, who officially left the office in March, was happy to receive pats from other officers at the event.

“She was pumped to see people and cake,” said Froh. “She was pretty happy to get out and socialize after not being able to socialize at work for the last couple of months.”

Merlot spent two years with the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) in British Columbia, where she became a facility dog. In 2015, she landed with the RPS.

Froh said facility dogs can be quiet companions for victims when police officers cannot.

“I would interview the child and Merlot would sit with them and provide that comfort,” said Froh. “Really, as police officers you are there to gather the truth, and as awful as something might be (what) a child is telling you, you have to remain neutral.

“So (it’s vital) having the dog there to provide that comfort, whether it’s Merlot licking their tears away (or) they’re using the dog (or) petting that dog to take the stress away.”

Merlot primarily worked with children, but also spent time with adults or in courtrooms while people gave testimony.

Froh said Merlot could have worked for two more years, but Froh made the ultimate decision to retire the dog due to the high stresses of the job. While Merlot has retired, Froh will continue to work under the Major Crimes Section of the RPS.

Another dog will take over as a facility dog. A handler has been chosen, but the process to match up a dog to a handler is a tedious process. Froh said the public will be informed when the pair is matched.

Merlot celebrates her retirement on June 1, 2023. (Gillian Massie/980 CJME)

Merlot will still be staying with Froh during her time in retirement. Froh said she had mixed feelings about Merlot hanging up her collar.

“I am so proud of all the work that she’s done over the years, but at the same time she’s worked really hard for almost eight years,” said Froh. “So now I’m happy to see her relax and just enjoy the rest of her life just being a dog.”

Froh said Merlot will be happy to spend her retirement with long weekends at the lake and going swimming.