Service Dog Hired to Soothe Nerves of Youth Testifying in Court

Legal systems and court proceedings can be nerve-wracking enough for adults, let alone children – that’s why Merel the service dog is there to help.

This 18-month-old Labrador Bernese Mountain Dog mix works for the Child Witness Program at the London Courthouse in London, Ontario. Merel is the first dog of her kind to be brought on board solely for the comfort and support of youth testifying in court.

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Since Merel took the job with her handler Rachel Crawford 3 weeks ago, she has already assisted 6 young victims with amazing results.

“It’s sort of hard to know how I ever did my work without her,” Rachel told ABC News. “She helps build an instant rapport. They can walk in and it’s an instant conversation starter and allows us to have those happy conversations and talk about court preparation.”

Click To Share This Pawesome Story With Your Friends – Photo by London Family Court Clinic