‘Beloved’ service dog Merlot remembered for comfort in Sask. courts

A beloved four-legged member of the Regina Police Service is being remembered for her years of comforting service in Saskatchewan courtrooms.

Merlot, a black Labrador, passed away on Jan. 17 after a battle with cancer, according to social media posts from RPS. Born on Jan. 30, 2013, she was two weeks shy of her 12th birthday.

Feeling blingtastic #blingbling #2025 #friyay #merlot #boop #dogs @PADSdogs pic.twitter.com/eYDUu8DAk9

— K9 Merlot (@PADSk9Merlot) January 10, 2025

In 2015, Merlot became the service’s first-ever Accredited Facility Dog, later known as a Justice Facility Dog. She provided comfort to countless children and adults who had been victims of crime and trauma in Provincial Court and at Court of King’s Bench. “While Merlot’s presence will be missed greatly, her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and her unwavering care and devotion for those that were fortunate enough to know her,” RPS shared in a Facebook post.

Read more:

• Merlot the RPS therapy dog retires after eight years on the job
• ‘Happy to see her relax:’ RPS facility dog Merlot gets retirement party
• Sinclair, the new Regina police facility dog, greets the public

Her handler, Sgt. Tia Froh, wrote in a separate post that Merlot had a “caring old soul” that won over the hearts of everyone she met. “We can’t forget her loud snoring during quiet courtroom testimony and child forensic interviews. Nothing like adding some humor when life got ruff,” the post reads.

This week @InspStevelyRPS presented me with this beautiful frame,in recognition of my work as the 1st #jfd at @reginapolice Sometimes attending to the #Police station can be tough,but seeing this face adorning the wall just might bring a smile to your face. #workingdog pic.twitter.com/Kx4Zi7TmHp

— K9 Merlot (@PADSk9Merlot) November 15, 2024

The duo worked together for eight years before Merlot retired in 2023. An X account dedicated to Merlot showcases her off-duty adventures, from lazy summer days near the water to festive Christmas photos and creative Halloween costumes.

Froh shared that Merlot’s short retirement included slow mornings and indulgences like peanut butter, salmon and foods she couldn’t eat while on the job. “Merlot leaves an immense emptiness in my heart and our home. I know her presence will be missed in our city, province, and across the country,” Froh added.

From partners in crime to partners in wine. Happy #nationalwineday #merlot #dogsandwinemakeeverythingfine #labrador pic.twitter.com/gmNODyrFan

— K9 Merlot (@PADSk9Merlot) May 25, 2024