Therapy Dogs » Big Dog Blog

Most of us are familiar with the amazing services therapy dogs provide to people in hospitals and nursing homes. Now a Florida group is using that same kind of canine compassion to help young victims of crime.

Four Legged Advocates (FLA) is a non-profit organization providing assistance to teens and children victimized by sexual abuse or domestic violence. The group partners victim advocates with therapy dogs to help comfort, calm and encourage trust with the victim during his/her difficult time. The canine companions, along with a victim advocate, accompany the victim to all court appearances and interviews with law enforcement.

An article I read this morning talked about a 10-year old victim of sexual abuse. The young girl began crying hysterically when she had to testify before the man who was later convicted of sexually abusing her.

During a short recess both the victim advocate and prosecutor were unable to console the brave little girl. That is when Duke, a 3-year-old smooth-coat collie, pushed through the women to get to his young friend in need.

Duke - a Therapy Dog who helps victims in the criminal-justice system.

“Duke literally nudged us out of the way to get to her, “said victim advocate Andrea Lockhart. “It was definitely all on Duke that he made his presence known.” Lockhart said no one told Duke to go to the girl. “They always go to exactly who needs them,” Lockhart said.

24-year old Lockhart is the founder of FLA and a survivor of sexual abuse. Lockhart said she found comfort through a strong connection with her own dog and wanted to use her experience to help others.

FLA is thought to be the first in the country to use therapy dogs to support young victims through the criminal-justice system.

Lets hope it is the first of many!

Website: www.fla-fla.org