JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. – Staff at the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office just got a little bigger thanks to their new furry friend.
To provide emotional support to adult and child victims who are requested to speak in court proceedings, a service dog was added to the staff.
Nanook (Nook), a 2-year-old yellow lab/golden retriever mix, was provided by the Indiana Canine Assistance Network. Puppies in ICAN begin their training in the men’s and women’s prisons, assisting both the dogs and prisoners.
Nook now lives and works with Deputy Prosecutor Ryan Bland. He said although Nook has worked in the courthouse for a short time, the dog has already helped a recent robbery victim testify in court.
“She was there to talk about something very traumatic to her and Nanook just cleared the air,” said Bland. “She started talking freely without anyone trying to engage her about her dogs…that seemed to calm her. She did a fabulous job."
The Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office is one of the few offices to have a facility dog.
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