Meet Blue – one of ten wellbeing dogs supporting firefighters at Hammersmith Fire Station and across London.
It's a new initiative supporting all Brigade staff that are helping us make H&F stronger, safer and kinder.
The scheme works by staff training with their pet dogs to give emotional support to crews. The dogs can visit any of the 102 fire stations across London to give teams a morale boost.
Borough commander for Hammersmith & Fulham, Lucy MacLeod, told us about a typical day in the life of Blue – the miniature Australian Shepherd – at Hammersmith Fire Station on Shepherds Bush Road.
How does Blue start his day?
Blue doesn't work every day, he's only two and a half years old so he's still very young.
But when he's on duty, he's brushed and prepped, I pack his treats, his 'magic button' for tricks, a lint-roller and pop his working harness on.
Once he's at the station, what's next?
His visits are usually two-hours long. He hangs out with the firefighters, performs tricks, give cuddles and brings a calm energy to the workplace, everybody loves him.
Meanwhile, I give the staff a talk about mental health and offer peer support.
How do the team respond to Blue's visits?
Blue helps people relax, decompress and sometimes open up about difficult experiences.
Specially trained wellbeing dogs like Blue, provide a calming presence proven to reduce cortisol. This helps lower breathing rate, heart rate and blood pressure.
He also boosts feel-good hormones like serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. He's like a buffer and bridge to having a conversation.
Where is Blue's favourite place to walk and play?
He's a very confident boy so tends to think he owns most of Hammersmith & Fulham!
Brook Green is always a great spot near Hammersmith Fire Station.
But his favourite walk would have to be along the Thames, where he can follow his nose and dip his paws in the river.
Blue also loves a walk in Bishop's Park. I have fond memories of going here as a child growing up in Inglethorpe Street, Fulham, so it's a special place for both me and Blue.
How does Blue unwind?
Blue's own wellbeing always comes first. Before and after every visit, we go out for an explore. This is his time when he's free to just be a dog.
Blue loves exploring new parks because they offer a whole world of scents to discover. We call these 'sniffaris.'
When he gets home, he enjoys a snooze as he's usually pretty tired after a long day.
