A specially trained firehouse facility dog named Nyx is the newest member of the North Hays County Fire and Rescue station in Dripping Springs. Nyx was officially pinned March 1 in a special pinning ceremony in which she received her badge that formally recognizes her role within the department.
Nyx was trained and placed free of charge by Freedom Canines, a nonprofit organization in Wimberley dedicated to providing highly skilled service and facility dogs. As part of their mission, “Pups Empowering People,” Freedom Canines engages students in the training process, offering them hands-on experience in preparing service and facility dogs. Her Wimberley High School student trainer attended the pinning ceremony.
Freedom Canines Executive Director, Becky Kier said, “Placing Nyx aligns perfectly with our mission. We are honored to see her thrive in her new role by making a difference in the lives of both the firefighters and the people they serve.”
Described as a loving and intelligent dog, Nyx will bring fire safety education to schools and the community. She can demonstrate essential skills such as stop, drop, and roll and crawling low under smoke, helping children and the public learn life-saving techniques. She will work alongside her handler, Jeanine Southall, the Community Outreach Specialist for North Hays County Fire and Rescue.
Beyond her educational role, Nyx will provide comfort and stress relief to firefighters following difficult calls. Firefighters often face high-pressure and emotionally taxing situations, and Nyx will be there to offer unconditional support, companionship and a calming presence in the firehouse. Whether she’s snuggling up with a firefighter after a tough shift or eagerly engaging with the public, Nyx’s presence is sure to bring smiles wherever she goes.
“We are incredibly grateful to have Nyx join our department,” said Fire Chief, Scott Collard. “Nyx is already making a difference, not only in our firehouse but also in the community.”
“Our Prevention Division,” Collard continued, “had recently grown with the addition of a Community Outreach Coordinator, Jeanine Southall. After learning about the importance of structure and consistency for the dog, we determined that Nyx should be a part of Prevention and that Jeanine would serve as the caregiver and handler. Nyx serves a dual role for us, as an integral part of our community outreach and an emotional support to our firefighters.”
For more information about North Hays County Fire and Rescue, visit northhaysfire. com. To learn more about Freedom Canines and their work in training service and facility dogs, visit freedomcanines. com.
