Trauma dog hired to comfort Victim Services clients (Toronto Star)

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

11:27 PM EST

Dandy the Labrador puppy's role will include comforting those who have experienced trauma, such as victims of violence and sexual abuse.



...

Dandy’s calm disposition is what makes her an ideal addition to Victim Services, a non-profit organization that works closely with police to aid people who have experienced traumatic events.

When she’s fully trained, a process that will take several months, her role will include comforting victims of violence and sexual assault, and those who have experienced the death of a loved one through crime or other tragic circumstances.

<snip>

Sgt. Brent Hutt of Calgary police’s victim assistance unit can vouch for that. Hutt is a handler for Hawk, one of two other trauma dogs in the country, who made headlines when he was granted permission to sit with two child sex assault victims as they testified in a Calgary court.

When it came time for the little girl to speak, “she was able to pet Hawk, and of course they had a bond together because they spent time together,” says Hutt. “It’s all about lowering her anxiety, making that environment a little less stressful.”

Link: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/03/03/trauma-dog-hired-to-comfort-victim-services-clients.html