Paz was first dog allowed to accompany a victim into courtroom for her impact statement

[charlotte bednarsh]

It's been an exciting week.  Paz was allowed by a New York State Supreme Court judge to accompany the kidnapping victim he had been supporting, into the courtroom and remain with her during the entire sentencing hearing of the man who had kidnapped her, and her two year old child.  He remained next to her when she confronted the man, and gave her impact statement.  When we arrived at the NY State Supreme Court, we were surrounded by flashing cameras and reporters who had gotten word that a therapy dog was being allowed into the courtroom to help the victim of a very high profile case.  The judge allowed the reporters into the courtroom as long as they did not take pictures of the victim or give her name.  We were followed by the reporters after the proceedings and Paz acted like a pro.  He lay down and began to lick the lens of the cameraman who had stooped down to get a headshot of Paz.  The story appeared in the NY Post, NY Daily News and the NY TImes.

Here is the link to the NY Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/10/nyregion/therapy-dog-helps-woman-...

Hers is the link to the Daily News

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/man-60-life-prison-im...

I am so very proud of my goofy boy who was able to provide incredible support to this courageous victim and help her confront the evil person who committed this awful crime.  The judge said that in all his years on the bench, he had never seen such horrific acts committed on a young woman and child, and he sentenced the man to 60 years to life!

Our doodles are just amazing!

[charlotte bednarsh]

Thank you for the lovely complement.  Paz is starting to work on a new case today with another crime victim.  I feel priveleged that we can help.

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Comment by a.k.a. Rodney 1 second ago
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I've now read all the comments...especially how you explained what Paz did and how he interacted with the victim. I can tell you my daughter is a prosecutor for criminal felony cases I've gone to many of her trials in her 22 yr career..... and felt the anxiety and anguish of getting the guilty verdict on the bad guy. I was told by a high-level Police Department Detective that it's very difficult to get witnesses and victims to testify because it's such a frightening experience.to face the offender and relive the experience. And how important it is for these victims and witnesses to come forward to make the case and get charges and a guilty verdict against the perpetrators .you and Paz did quite a wonderful and important job in court with the victim. Bless you both


Read more here: http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/paz-was-first-dog-allowe...

[Camilla and Darwin]

This is inspiring!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Paz is amazing and I love to hear how he is helping victims. You did a great job of training him and you should be very proud. Way to go!!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Paz is an inspiration to people and dogs.  Congratulations to you for training such a wonderful, caring dog.

[charlotte bednarsh]

Thank goodness for the two prosecutors who requested Paz's assistance, and the judge's compassion for this victim which led to his granting permission for Paz to be in the court with the victim during the sentencing hearing.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

As awful as the underlying story is, how wonderful that Paz brought comfort.  Pretty rocking Judge, too! 

[charlotte bednarsh]

Thank you for your wonderful complement and for sharing the Times article.  I hope more jurisdictions will allow therapy dogs into courtroom proceedings.

[BG and Gavin]

Yahoo!! I shared the Times article on Gavin's fb page as I often refer to you in my classroom presentations as as example of the expanding roles of therapy dogs.  You guys rock!  Thank you for what you do.

[Stella]

Awesome! So proud of both you guys!