Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Victoria, B.C. – VicPD today celebrates a dual occasion: the 5th birthday of Daisy, our dedicated Operational Stress Intervention (OSI) Dog, and the approaching two-year anniversary of her service with the Department.
Happy 5th Birthday to our incredible Operational Stress Intervention Dog, Daisy!
It has been nearly two years since Daisy officially began her duties with VicPD, following her swearing-in on October 24, 2023. As an OSI Dog, Daisy is uniquely positioned to provide comfort and reduce stress for officers and staff who are exposed to potentially traumatic incidents. Unlike traditional service dogs paired with individuals, Daisy works across the organization, offering support to the entire team. She is trained to recognize signs of stress and trauma and provides a calming presence to those who need it most.
VicPD’s dedicated Operational Stress Intervention Dog, Daisy, with one of her handlers, Detective Sgt. Matt King, outside police headquarters.
“Daisy has become an invaluable member of our team, providing critical support and contributing to a healthier work environment,” says Detective Sgt. Matt King of VicPD’s Special Victims Unit. “Marking both her birthday and approaching anniversary allows us to highlight the positive impact she has had in a relatively short time.”
A calming presence for the VicPD team. Unlike traditional service dogs, Daisy works across the organization, offering support to everyone. She is expertly trained to recognize signs of stress and trauma, providing comfort when it is needed most.
Daisy, along with her handlers — Detective Sgt. Matt King and Supervisor of Jail Guards and Special Municipal Constables Ryan Denninger — makes up the seventh OSID team produced by BC & Alberta Guide Dogs. She was generously donated to VicPD by Wounded Warriors Canada, in partnership with BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, which provided her extensive training and handler preparation. The internationally accepted retirement age for service dogs is 10 years, and VicPD looks forward to many more years of Daisy’s valuable contribution to the team.
Daisy, VicPD’s Operational Stress Intervention Dog, takes quiet moments — reminders of the importance of self-care and acknowledging the emotional weight of supporting others.
Recharging and playing! It is important for VicPD’s Operational Stress Intervention Dog, Daisy, to enjoy time for fun and relaxation too.
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