Neely, a jet-black lab/golden retriever mix, has become a beloved presence among Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services. Lyndsay Fearnley-Ungar, the wellness coordinator for the service, said the medics eagerly look forward to seeing the dog. “She’s like Christmas morning,” Fearnley-Ungar said, noting how Neely lights up the room every time she appears.
Last week, during an interview at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre, paramedics couldn’t resist giving Neely a quick belly rub or a friendly hello as she passed by. Neely has been a part of the paramedic services for three and a half years, trained by National Service Dogs in Cambridge. Her role as a facility dog means she offers support to everyone, rather than being assigned to a single individual like a typical service dog.
“She truly loves everyone and remembers them,” Fearnley-Ungar said. When it came to adopting Neely as her primary handler, Fearnley-Ungar didn’t hesitate.
Fearnley-Ungar, a community paramedic, was hired in 2023 as part of a pilot project to serve as the wellness coordinator. In this role, she leads wellness programs aimed at supporting paramedics and firefighters. She emphasized that Neely plays a crucial role in these programs, especially during emotional debriefs after traumatic events.
“Petting the dog while processing a traumatic call gives you a moment to step away from the event,” Fearnley-Ungar said, describing Neely’s calming influence as akin to a “weighted blanket.” Paramedics often face tragic calls, and while the unpredictability of the job can be thrilling, it also brings its share of emotional strain.
Fearnley-Ungar shared how Neely’s presence has helped paramedics open up about their emotions. In some cases, Neely’s non-judgmental ear has allowed people to share stories they weren’t ready to tell anyone else. “She melts that facade,” Fearnley-Ungar said, crediting Neely with helping paramedics seek the mental health support they need.
A 2016 national study revealed that 44.5% of first responders show signs of mental health disorders, a stark contrast to the 10% rate in the general population. This statistic has resonated with Paramedic Services Deputy Chief Paul Kadwell, who used it in a report to the city’s community and emergency services committee. He also noted a decrease in psychological injuries leading to lost work time since the wellness coordinator program began in 2023. The percentage of psychological injuries resulting in lost time dropped from 67% in 2022 to 33% in 2024.
City officials are expected to vote on making the wellness coordinator role permanent in their 2026-27 budget. Regardless of the outcome, Fearnley-Ungar and Neely will remain with Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services. If the position is eliminated, Fearnley-Ungar would return to her role as a community paramedic, though Neely’s presence in the department would likely decrease.
Outside of her work, Neely lives with Fearnley-Ungar and occasionally with a secondary handler. At home, Neely is a playful dog, known for her mischievous behavior, like digging holes and stealing tomatoes from the garden. “She knows when she’s working, and when she’s not,” Fearnley-Ungar said.