Comfort Dog-in-Training Brings a Calming Presence to Lake Forest Police Responses

By David A. F. Sweet

More than 500 crisis calls were received by the Lake Forest Police Department in 2025. Some required emergency medical services: all were related to mental health.

Later this year, a new member of the department will be part of the response: Winston, a 100-pound (and growing) St. Bernard who is training to become the City’s first comfort dog.

K-9 dogs have long been part of police departments, but comfort dogs – which provide emotional support to those in need during mental-health-crisis calls – are newer, having only arrived in 2013.

"He follows commands very well," says Lauren Perez of Winston.

Why have comfort dogs become so popular? “I think they bring a calming presence,” said Lake Forest Police Department Social Worker Lauren Perez, who works in the Criminal Investigations Division and is Winston’s trainer. “Even sitting by one can take the tension and stress out of the space. They often serve as an icebreaker or a conversation starter.”

Comfort dogs possess traits not typical of their four-legged friends. They have a special way of staying calm and collected, and aren’t bothered by crowds or by loud noises, according to the American Kennel Club.

Attending Lake Forest Day in August, visiting Lake Forest High School during final exams and trotting into City buildings as part of his socialization, Winston has no problem remaining calm in various situations, Perez noted.

“He saw a dog the other day. The dog growled at Winston, and he didn’t growl back,” Perez said. “He follows commands very well. I have full confidence when we’re out in the community.

“In high-stimulus areas, he does an excellent job. He gives everyone a chance to pet him. He greets you with kindness and patience. He loves to cuddle.”

Winston was born on March 17, 2025. When Perez picked him up as a seven-week-old, he weighed 12 pounds. His maximum weight is expected to reach 180.

Why a St. Bernard? After all, comfort dogs are often labrador retrievers or other smaller breeds.

“St. Bernards are in tune with human emotion,” explained Perez, who selected Winston. “They help keep people warm. With the right training, I knew this would work.”

Winston’s training is happening in stages. Obedience coaching has occurred for many months. Around May, adolescent instruction will begin.

“We’ll have to have him feel more comfortable with his size – he’ll need to have agility and not bump into things,” Perez said.

During the final leg, Perez will work with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs to procure certification for Winston. When that happens, he can accompany Perez during crisis calls.

Housed in the Criminal Investigations Division – where he enjoys a bed and basic puppy food (“he eats a lot,” Perez said) – Winston has gotten a taste of what awaits him.

“If people in the Police or Fire Department have a rough day, they’ll come and pet him,” Perez said.

After a day of venturing outside, taking a 20-minute walk on a treadmill and engaging in training, Winston heads home with Perez. There, he runs around outside and gets to be the puppy he is. But being a young dog can also make the training a bit of a challenge.

“Anyone who has ever had a fresh dog knows – two steps forward and one step back,” Perez said. “But he is doing well for his age. A lot of puppies don’t respond to any commands.”

Please contact Lauren Perez at PerezL@cityoflakeforest.com to schedule Winston to visit your upcoming meeting as part of his training and socialization. Q & A With Winston Truly a special comfort dog, Winston even had a nice chat with The Dialogue when no one else was around:

Dialogue: How are you enjoying this comfort dog role?

Winston: Bow-wow.

Dialogue: Look, you can’t fool me. I know you speak English.

Winston: My apologies. What a beautiful town to roam around! Lauren (Perez) even takes me to Market Square. I’ve met a lot of lovely people. The food lacks distinction, but I’m told it will improve once I really start full-time comfort work. Maybe they’ll splurge on Just Food for Dogs or Hollywood Feed.

Dialogue: Why did the Lake Forest residents vote  to name you Winston?

Winston: Not sure – maybe after Churchill?

Dialogue: He was more of a British bulldog. St. Bernards like you came out of the Alps. Winston: I’m sticking with Churchill.

Dialogue: OK. What should we know about your breed?

Winston: We’re famously known as rescue dogs, especially in the cold weather.

Dialogue: Is it true that your breed carried a small wooden keg of brandy around its neck to revive stranded travelers in the 19th century?

Winston: Actually, that’s a myth!

Dialogue: What would you like Lake Foresters to know about you?

Winston: I’m kind, loving, loyal. I’ll help you feel better when you’re down.

Dialogue: How would you describe your work ethic?

Winston: I never dog it.

Dialogue: Do you have a message for Lake Forest dogs?

Winston: Remind your owners to keep you on a leash and always pick up after you. Also, the beach is for humans only, so ask them to bring you to other Lake Forest parks instead.