The Compton Sheriff’s Station has a hard-working therapy dog who is giving back to the people who saved his life.
At just 5 pounds (6 pounds with her tiny police dog vest on), 18-month-old Willowbrook may be tiny, but she has a big mission.
“She’s our little ‘Straight Outta Compton’ therapy dog,” said Willowbrook’s owner, Jennifer Stott.
The terrier mix was rescued from a backyard breeder in Sylmar after being diagnosed with a life-threatening parvovirus infection in 2022. At 8 weeks old and weighing just 1 pound, it was unclear whether he would be strong enough to survive.
“Her odds weren’t that great but she wasn’t in as bad shape as some of the other dogs coming in so we were hopeful,” Stott said.
After her hospitalization, Willowbrook recovered and proved to be a fighting woman.
“She wants to show that even a little dog can make a difference,” Stott said.
Jennifer Stott, a law enforcement technician with the department, adopted Willowbrook in 2022, named him after the street the station is located on and enrolled him in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s therapy dog program.
Willowbrook completed her rigorous training and officially joined the fire department in 2023. Since then, she has logged more than 1,400 hours of service, bringing comfort and compassion to emergency responders.
“[She] “It’s definitely a morale booster. Who doesn’t like a dog, especially Willowbrook? She goes up to everybody. She’s a good girl. She’s a small dog, but she’s very playful,” Compton Deputy Sheriff Gabriela Robles said.
Willowbrook provides care and therapy to various emergency departments across Los Angeles County.
“As a paramedic, it’s nice to see little Willowbrook at the start of your morning shift. It makes you happy,” said Compton Fire Department Capt. Victor Lemus.
This little police dog’s survival story is an inspiration to all who come into her care.
“I truly believe that all small animals should be given a second chance, and if this can make a difference, I’m all for it,” Lemus said.
The Sheriff’s Department’s smallest therapy dog overcame hardships and is now thriving.
“When you think of therapy dogs you typically think of Labradors and retrievers, but she’s broken all those boundaries and proven they can do anything they want,” Ms Stott said.
This strong pup has now dedicated himself to a life of service, giving back to those who saved him.
She visits various emergency departments as well as attending health conferences.
To date, Willowbrook has met with more than 3,000 police officers and 1,300 law enforcement officials.