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STAND T.A.L.L. Funds Therapy Dog Training for Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office

  • ronthestandtall
  • 4 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Rutherford County, NC – The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) has officially welcomed its newest team member—Rookie, a fully trained Goldendoodle therapy dog, thanks to a generous partnership between Silver Creek Goldendoodles and local nonprofit STAND T.A.L.L. (Thank A Local Lawman).


Several weeks ago, Silver Creek Goldendoodles, a certified breeder of "doodle" mixes, offered to donate a puppy to RCSO to serve as a support and therapy dog. To ensure Rookie would be ready for duty, the puppy required professional certification training. STAND T.A.L.L. stepped in to fully fund the $6,500 training cost.


On Monday, June 23rd, Rookie was officially introduced at a handoff ceremony attended by Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg, his wife Nikki, breeder Billie Jenkins, trainers, and STAND T.A.L.L. leadership, including President Ron Kauffman and Vice President and K-9 Project Leader Sharon Hanson.


“We can't thank Silver Creek and STAND T.A.L.L. enough for their incredible generosity and support of our K-9 program,” said Sheriff Ellenburg. “Rookie will have a wonderful home and will add an amazing aspect of support where and when needed within our community.”

Rookie’s Role in the Community

As a certified therapy dog, Rookie will provide comfort, emotional support, and a calming presence in a wide variety of settings. His duties will include:

  • Schools – Offering a friendly face and emotional support to students and staff

  • Critical Incidents – Assisting individuals experiencing trauma, including first responders

  • Rest Homes – Providing joy and companionship to elderly residents

  • Courtroom Support – Helping victims and witnesses feel more comfortable during testimony

  • Special Victims and Child Cases – Supporting detectives and victims during sensitive investigations

  • Community Events & Consolation – Bringing comfort to children and victims in times of crisis


Ron Kauffman, President of STAND T.A.L.L., shared, “We are honored to be part of this important initiative. Rookie will play a critical role in bringing comfort, healing, and human connection to people across Rutherford County.”

STAND T.A.L.L. remains committed to supporting local law enforcement through strategic programs that foster trust, community engagement, and wellness for officers and citizens alike.

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