When trained properly, a dog can perform all kinds of duties alongside first responders. For example, police K9’s can help track missing people. But did you know that our four-legged-friends can also work at a fire station? While they can perform similar duties to those working with police, ones like Ari take on a very different role. This firehouse dog was trained in a therapy canine program! Ari can be found at the Virginia Beach Fire Department. Here, he provides firefighters with the kind of love and comfort they need after, quite literally, saving lives. While this may sound like a big job for a single pup, there’s no need to worry. In addition to the training Ari has gotten, his co-workers make sure he gets some rest and relaxation, too. Check out the video below to witness Ari having a blast on the job! @cayla.harper Firehouse Dog Ari picking up the hydrant for us #fyp #Firedog #Firehousedog #Yellowlab #Workingdog ♬ Everything We Need – Wilfred “He’s not playing, he’s testing the water for the proper flow for fires,” someone humorously argues in the comments. Others add, “Ari may be a working dog but [he’s] still just a baby” and “That dog has unlocked the purest form of happiness.” Virginia Beach Fire Department’s Therapy Dog Ari Steals Hearts with His Contagious Joy As you can see, Ari had a blast splashing around in the water. But he’s not the only one who enjoyed that break! Moments like this actually highlight the benefits of a therapy dog. Cayla Harper, Ari’s handler and the person who shared that video, explains these pups have the proven ability to “improve mood, lower heart rate, [and] lower blood pressure.” For example, there are moments where a number of firefighters will be sitting in a room together. Unprompted, Ari (or their other dog, Ember) will go around and lay down next to certain people who he senses to be most stressed. “I’ve had a lot of pets in my life,” Dale McLellan, leader of the organization who trained Ari shares. “But this type of trained animal had a life-changing experience for me.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Firehouse Dog Thoroughly Enjoying The Best Part Of The Job appeared first on InspireMore.