Providence St. Mary welcomes a puppy
By Terry Murry on Monday, October 25th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Providence St. Mary Medical Center is adding a 4-month-old German shepherd puppy to its K9 program. Mylo, who was born in Berlin, Germany, on June 2 is the second dog added to the K9 program since it started in 2019 with K9 Program Coordinator Mike Smith and K9 Officer Axel, a German shepherd/Belgian Malinois cross. Officer Cole Smith is Mylo’s handler.
“Mike and Axel have made a significant impact in enhancing the security at St. Mary, and keeping our patients, visitors and caregivers safe,” Susan Leathers, hospital security manager said. “We have been wanting to expand the program, and now have the opportunity thanks to donations.”
Before his formal training begins, Mylo will be being brought into the hospital by his handler, to get better acquainted with the operations and staff. Cole Smith has worked for the hospital’s security department for two years and has served in the Oregon National Guard for nearly seven years. He and Mylo will live and work together. When Mylo is a little older, he will complete formal training and certification with Cole Smith.
An increasing number of hospitals across the nation are using security dogs to detect contraband, deter violence and help address possible threats, according to Kathleen Obenland, hospital spokeswoman.
