Kane is a very special dog with a very important job. For over five years now, Kane has been working with the Moose Jaw Police Service to offer comfort to thousands of children and families who have experienced trauma. Specifically trained to detect stress and anxiety, Kane is brought in whenever children have to be present during court cases or during police interviews.

Recently, his handler, Victim Services Coordinator Donna Blondeau, wrote Kane's Tale, a children's book about Kane. She wanted to spread the word about Kane and let families know that he is available to them in the event that they are called into the police station. However, she didn't want the book to just be a collection of pictures of Kane; she also wanted it to have a positive message. 

"My vision is that the child will get the book, take it home, sit down with mom or dad and read through it. And as the book is being read, they'll see that there's a message in it. The message is that if some time or someday you have to attend the police service, this guy will be there for you."

Blondeau wants as many children as possible to get a copy but didn't want the book to be sold, knowing that some families are on budgets. Consequently, the Police Service has partnered with both the Praire South and Holy Trinity school divisions to provide the book free of charge to all pre-K to Grade 2 students when school begins again in the fall. Representatives of the school divisions say that the timing could not be more perfect as many children are suffering from feelings of loneliness and disconnectedness right now due to the pandemic. This kind of book is exactly the kind of tool needed to help heal this loss of connectivity. 

Mayor Fraser Tolmie says he is one hundred percent behind this initiative and commends those involved for bringing some hope to these uncertain times.

"I'm proud of our community that we are looking ahead and are asking how are we going to create a better community by getting our kids back involved in the fall."

Blondeau says she has been left in awe of Kane time and time again and the calming effect he has had on distraught and traumatized children in our city.

Here follows an excerpt from Kane's Tale.

"Hello, my name is Kane...If you need to come to the Police Station, I may be there to help...You can give me a hug. You can talk to me. You can cry into my fur. I won't mind...I will be here if you need me."