Sinclair, the new Regina police facility dog, greets the public

Sgt. Kyla Young was excited to hear the dog she matched with was named Sinclair, because she knew he would be a hero to kids, just like Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair.

Sinclair is the newest member of the Regina Police Service’s team, filling the facility dog role formerly held by police dog Merlot. Merlot hung up her collar in 2023 after eight years with the police service.

Sinclair happily wagged his tail as he was introduced to the public on Wednesday.

Young and Sinclair were matched in October in Calgary. The 2 1/2-year-old pooch then headed to Saskatchewan to work in the police service’s Regina Children’s Justice Centre, which tackles cases involving physical or sexual abuse towards children.

According to the police service, Sinclair completed more than 1,200 hours of training before matching with Young, and understands 35 different commands.

“Everything about the dog is positive when it comes to my role as a police officer,” Young said.

Sgt. Kyla Young gives Sinclair a pat. (Gillian Massie/980 CJME)

Sinclair is trained as a facility dog, meaning his work involves comforting vulnerable victims when police officers cannot.

“When children have to testify or give a statement to police, it can be extremely stressful,” Young said.

“For them to be able to come into our centre and just be able to meet with a police officer (and) tell their story, it’s very important for them to have a tool like Sinclair there to calm them down, just to be an emotional support for them.”

Young has been with the Regina Police Service for 24 years, and in the Regina Children’s Justice Centre for 14. She currently holds the Canine Assisted Response Educator position.

Young said Sinclair and her rescue dog at home are best pals, and they enjoy taking long walks on trails. Like Merlot, Sinclair also enjoys spending lots of time at the cabin.