Prince George Therapy Dogs are Making a Name for Themselves

The interview savvy office hound, Max and the on-scene specialist pup, Grimmus are heading over to Vancouver later this week with B.C. RCMP Victim Services to showcase the fantastic success they've had as the Therapy Dogs for the Prince George RCMP.

Over a year ago, the Therapy Dog K-9 Unit became beloved members of the Prince George RMCP and their roles continue to expand, grow, and develop the detachment.

Max's latest assignment will expand into the Provincial Courthouse in Prince George.

“This is a progressive decision and will be the second courthouse in B.C. to have therapy dogs accompanying victims and witnesses to interviews, and to sit with them while they await their turn to testify,” said Krista Levar, Victim Services Coordinator. “This is a wonderful step forward in appreciating victim’s needs and in providing victim support in a unique and creative way. Gathering the courage to attend court and to testify during a trial is a daunting task for anyone. If Max can make that a bit easier than we have accomplished a wonderful thing.”

Photo credit: Prince George RCMP.

In addition, the therapy dog program has allowed the Victim Services unit to build partnerships that didn't exist in the past such as:

-The Public Library Reading Program which partnered therapy dogs with kids for reading;

-Attended the Lakeland Mills family meeting to support those in need;

-Attended the Prince George Cougars Raise the Woof night;

-Partnering with Prince George Secondary School to develop a Therapy Dog colouring book for children.

“Youth really seem to connect with the dogs and fostering those interactions with children have brought about some big success stories. There are two that stick out in my mind. The first resulted in a disclosure of a crime from a child that would only talk to Max about what had happened to him. The second was watching Grimmus make a connection with a child in foster care,” said Levar.

The Victim Services provides crisis intervention and emotional support for victims of crime and trauma. They are the primary liaison between victims and the court system, law enforcement, and community agencies.