Happy birthday, Duke! Vermont's 1st therapy K-9 celebrating with a virtual party

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Vermont's first therapy K-9 is turning 1 next week, and local police say they're planning a special birthday party to mark the occasion.

Officials with the Williston Police Department announced last weekend K-9 Duke will participate in a virtual birthday event that's open to the public on March 5. According to the group, the party will include birthday cake, opening presents and playing games.

Additional details on the event, hosted through Facebook Live, can be found on an event page created by the department.

The black Labrador retriever joined the Williston Police Department in May of 2020 as an 8-week-old puppy, when he began training with Officer Matthew Cohen.

The state's first therapy dog came with an outpouring of generosity from local groups — he was donated by a New Hampshire Labrador breeding group and training was covered by Thin Blue Line K-9 in Williston.

All of Duke's veterinary care is being donated by Mountain View Animal Hospital in Essex, a group listed alongside the Comfort Dog program as preferred donation spots for gifts.

READ MORE:Happy birthday, Duke! Vermont's 1st therapy K-9 celebrating with a virtual party

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