As I’ve mentioned earlier, my ds Andy recently finished two months of Grand Jury duty for Summit County, Ohio. One of the interesting things he told me during this time, was about Avery, the Emotional Support dog.
Avery belongs to the Summit County, Ohio, prosecutor’s office. They call him a “facility” dog. He is half Labrador Retriever and half Golden Retriever and has a calm friendly temperament.
He had two years of training from a group called Canine Companions for Independence and was a gift to Summit County. My son thinks Avery really does help victims, especially those who are children, giving testimony in the prosecutor’s office and in the courtrooms. He gives emotional support. He calms them and gives them confidence. Avery knows forty commands and can sit quietly with victims for long periods of time. He has all the training of a disability dog and then a bit more….Children are reassured and less afraid when they are with Avery. I think having him is a brilliant idea. I believe I’ve mentioned before that our local library has a day a month when children can come in and read to dogs. It really seems to help them, the children, do better and not feel judged. Dogs can have a very special rapport with humans!
There are several videos about Avery on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=summit+county+ohio+Avery
I do not doubt a minute that Avery really helps! A friend of ours is a psychotherapist specialised on victims of sexual abuse. She owns a therapy dog, Wesley, whose mere presence helps her clients/patients to talk about their traumatic experiences, of utmost importance for successful therapy.
I do think dogs can help people very much. And I love that this is happening more and more.
This is so wonderful, it makes me weep!
It is wonderful. Some of the children victims really need support.
I love this! Part of me really wants a dog, although they are a lot of work for someone who needs to travel as much as I do. (daughter and SIL in New York) Dogs are great therapy animals. I saw a documentary called “Pick of the Litter” which is about choosing and training guide dogs. It was heartwarming, sad and joyful. I recommend it highly!
I’m going to look for this video.
I think I feel calmer just looking at his picture. 🙂
It does have that effect, doesn’t it.
Avery came to one of my granddaughter’s high school classes. He left an impression on the children.
I wonder whether he has come to any of the Revere schools?
I think therapy dogs are a wonderful thing. I love when animals are taken to senior’s homes. At exam time, and in times of need (e.g. the death of a student), therapy dogs are brought to schools. Avery looks like a dog that could be hugged! -Jenn
I hadn’t heard of dogs coming at exam times…Great!
Therapy dogs, just thinking of them makes me feel calmer!😊
You’re not the only one on whom they have this effect!
Oh I agree…dogs can be wonderful companions and amazingly supportive. My mother enjoyed taking her miniature poodle to the nursing home where the residents would perk right up just to see the dog, especially after grooming days. ☺ I can well imagine that a calm, friendly dog would really help children in difficult circumstances.
I always had miniature poodles. I miss having a dog now, but Andy is thinking of getting one. I hope I won’t be allergic to it. He wants to look for a rescue dog.
What a wonderful idea to have Avery as a comfort aide.
It works very well, especially with children.