This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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While two child witnesses will re-live some of their most horrific memories in a Calgary courtroom this week, they will be accompanied by a special therapy dog, Hawk. The dog has become the first-ever therapy dog to sit inside a Canadian courtroom, when a seven-year-old girl took the stand on Tuesday.
The girl will be testifying against her father, accused of sexually abusing her, along with her nine-year-old brother. The black Labrador retriever is four years old and 76 pounds. Hawk has been working as a therapy dog with the Calgary Police for one year. According to Calgary Police officer Sgt. Brent Hutt, Hawk enjoys a number of important qualities that help reduce victims’ anxiety. Hutt stated that “he is extremely low energy. He loves people.” It was added that “people can be crying and screaming or in some cases getting relatively aggressive with him when they’re petting him. It doesn’t faze him.” Hawk has an experience of working with sexual-assault victims, those who loose close ones in traffic accidents and homicide cases.
Sgt. Hutt confessed that Hawk’s support role in a Canadian courtroom is a “huge” and “fantastic” step for the dog and Calgary Police. Hutt alleged that the young victim siblings had several eventful interactions with the dog that were “very positive.” Hutt said that “their reaction with him is typical of all the kids we interact with. It brings a smile to their face, helps us have a conversation. No bad can come of it.”
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