Help Sterling Police Department’s Comfort Dog Milllie at Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraiser

A fundraiser is being held today at Buffalo Wild Wings in Sterling for the police department’s comfort dog, Millie. Sterling Police Department Community Service Officer Mary Toth spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to explain why Millie needs a fundraiser.

“The reason for this fundraiser is because Millie’s program is actually not funded by taxpayer dollars,” Toth said. “Her program is funded solely by donations, grants and fundraisers. So we’re always raising money for her, which is why we’re doing a fundraiser.”

“The main reason she needs the funds is for her vet bills,” she said. “For her routine care, like her vaccines, her regular checkups, her monthly flea and heartworm medications, things like that, and on top of that, the things she needs for routine monthly care.” PetSmart is donating her food, so the funds will go toward items like a new, larger kennel and other accessories. “She needs a new leash because she chewed hers up.”

Luckily, there is a tasty way to help out. “You can go to Buffalo Wild Wings in Sterling and order everything on the menu,” Toth said. “It goes on all day. Tell your server you’re there for Millie’s fundraiser and a portion of the proceeds… I’m sorry if you hear squeaks. She’s playing with one of her toys right now. And a portion of the proceeds from your meal will go to Millie’s fund and help us cover all of these expenses.” They are also accepting donations for Millie’s care, either by dropping off donations or by mailing checks. Checks should be made payable to the Sterling Police Department, with “Community Project Fund” or “Millie’s Fund” in the message line.

“We always appreciate the support from the community, more than people realize. We like to hold fundraisers two or three times a year for Millie. People can follow her Facebook page and keep an eye out for those in the future.”

Since she started two months ago, she has been having a great time. “She’s doing really well. She settled into her job right away. She loves being at work. Every morning when I go to put the leash on her, she’s so excited. She’s really good. She loves people so much. And I can tell she really enjoys coming to work. I think she gets a little upset when it’s time for the weekend.”

Millie does more than just attend community events, Toth said. “Kids who have had bad experiences in life are there for interviews with law enforcement. She visits them before and after to help them relax. We’re currently working with the state’s attorney so she can work with kids before or during trials to help them through that process as well. We also work on-site, if there’s a house fire or a serious car accident, or even a shooting. We’ve also been there for debriefings after traumatic events. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that the community doesn’t always see. She’s a very valuable resource and she’s a very busy girl. She does all of that in addition to going to these fun community events and visiting schools and kids at summer camps and things like that.”