Culpeper Police Department Welcomes Certified Therapy Dog Gracie

Lt. Brittany Jenkins and Gracie represent the growing role of therapy dogs in officer wellness, peer support, and community connection.

On May 3, 2026, Gracie officially became a certified therapy dog through America’s K-9 Caring Angels alongside her handler, Lieutenant Brittany Jenkins of the Culpeper Police Department.

As more law enforcement agencies across the country recognize the importance of officer wellness and positive community engagement, therapy dogs are becoming an increasingly valuable part of modern public safety programs. Gracie now joins that mission in Culpeper, Virginia, helping support officers, staff, and the community through calm presence, connection, and compassion.

Therapy dogs like Gracie are specially trained to remain calm, social, stable, and confident in busy public environments. Certification through K-9 Caring Angels includes temperament evaluation, obedience standards, public access skills, and the ability to work safely and appropriately in high-stress or emotionally sensitive environments.

For Lieutenant Jenkins and the Culpeper Police Department, Gracie represents more than just a friendly face. She serves as part of a growing movement toward supporting mental wellness and strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Whether interacting with officers after difficult calls, participating in community outreach, visiting public events, or simply bringing a calming presence into the department, Gracie helps create meaningful moments of connection that can reduce stress and improve morale.

Across the country, police departments, fire departments, schools, and healthcare organizations are increasingly utilizing Facility Therapy Dogs and Community Support Dogs as part of peer support and wellness initiatives. These dogs provide emotional support, comfort, and human connection in environments where stress levels are often high and emotional resilience matters deeply.

America’s K-9 Caring Angels is proud to partner with organizations that recognize the value therapy dogs can bring to both first responders and the public. Through our Facility Therapy Dog Training programs, we work with departments and community organizations to help develop stable, reliable therapy dog teams capable of serving with professionalism and heart.

Gracie’s certification marks another step forward in that mission.

We are honored to congratulate Lieutenant Brittany Jenkins and the Culpeper Police Department on this accomplishment and look forward to seeing the positive impact Gracie will continue to make throughout the community.