Paz is being allowed to accompany a kidnapping victim into the Kings County, New York Supreme Court

[charlotte bednarsh]

Over the past several month, during pretrial proceedings, Paz has been providing support to a young kidnapping victim who is only able to assist prosecutors when Paz is with her.  The trial is commencing next week, and the Kings County (New York) Supreme Court has granted permission for Paz to accompany the victim into the courthouse, and remain with her in a room adjacent to the courtroom; whereas he cannot accompany her into the courtroom, he will be waiting for her when she is done testifying. I am so proud of him.  Paz's work is being highlighted on page 10 of Pet Partners Interactions Magazine, Summer 2015.

http://www.petpartners.org/file/document-upload-center/Pet-Partners...

Therapy animals truly exemplify the amazing healing power of the human animal bond.

[charlotte bednarsh]

Hi all, the reason that Paz is not allowed to accompany a victim into the courtroom, is that defense attorneys claim the presence of a therapy dog with a victim will bias the jury's verdict. For instance, during pretrail preparation & interviews of a victim, Paz's support often serves as the most important vehicle for getting a child to speak because when the child gets upset, Paz willl nudge the child, lick his/her face, and the victim will often wrap his/her arms around Paz who makes the child feel safe. During pretrail preparation of a victim, we always try to use a room that has a couch, because Paz will position himself next to the victim, often with his head in the child's lap. Most the children who are being prepared to testify have been victims of horrific crimes, including physical/sexual assault, kidnapping and some have witnessed domestic violence, including murder. These children have often been victimized by adults they trusted, therefore they have no reason to trust a well intentioned adult; for these youngsters, Paz's goofy, gentle presence makes them feel safe, and they often will talk to Paz when recounting the details of the crime in which they have been victims or witnessed. Defense attorneys claim that the appearance of the dog soothing the victim in a courtroom, will create sympathy amongst the jury, and thus bias their verdict. In New York State, there has been a recent judicial ruling allowing a therapy dog to accompany a victim into the courtroom, however, many prosecutors are concerned that the presence of the dog will result in many appeals launched by defense attorneys. Additionally, there must be extensive training for a therapy dog to sit with a victim in a courtroom, arrangements for the handler to be present, and for the dog to take brreaks, insurance issues and so forth. I've spoken with Pet Partners trainers who are very interested in developing therapy dog courtroom training programs and so forth. I'm aware there are some service dogs that have been trained to accompany a victim into a courtroom, and it is my belief there are therapy dogs who with the proper training have the inherent skills to stay with victims while they are testifying.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Paz, you are so very special to be able to connect in this way and bring so much comfort. Praying for justice for this little girl.  And I pray that life treats her more kindly in the future and that some day she'll have happy home and family with a dark curly doodle puppy at her feet and she'll tell him the story of Paz.

[Wendy and Myla]

What a great service Paz is doing - it makes my heart smile!  I feel so sorry for the victims and so happy that Paz can help them!!!  Why is it that Paz cannot be with her in the courtroom?  To me it seems that it would help so much!

[charlotte bednarsh]

Thank you everyone for your kind words.   We all met with the victim today, and although she is scared about the trial, she feels better knowing that Paz will stay with her outside the courtroom.  I'll keep you all posted, and please pray that this young victim will get the justice she truly deserves.  We should know the verdict by the beginning of May.

[Shoney & Ruby]

This brought tears to my eyes. Paz sounds like a real angel. And you too.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

What a great story!  You and Paz make an incredible team.. It's sad that they won't let Paz in the courtroom to help this poor baby get through such a scary ordeal!!!

[Marni and Hanna]

Awesome !! Paz, you ROCK !!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Wow....Paz is amazing and I am sure, you played a large part in helping him to become amazing. You must be so very proud of your special dog. Good luck next week and I pray for a successful outcome for the victim. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

What a terrifc thing for Paz to be able to participate in.

[DJ & Chance]

Good luck to Paz and also to the kidnap victim.  He is such a special doodle.