Meet Atticus

[charlotte bednarsh]

As most of you know, I lost my beloved Paz on May 31, 2016.  Paz was my BFF and my 4 legged hero who helped the youngest crime victims testify.   Yesterday, my new australian labradoodle was selected by an evaluator as being an amazing candidate to continue Paz's wonderful work with young crime victims.  Meet Atticus...he is a large standard size labradoodle puppy who i will fly with my grand daughters to North Carolina to pick up on November 12.   I am beyond in love and I know my beautiful Paz's gentle spirit will be guiding us all the way.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

He's beautiful, Charlotte. Can't wait to hear all about him, and may you have many, many happy years together. 

[charlotte bednarsh]

Thank you so much.  Can't wait to hug him

[charlotte bednarsh]

Thank you so much

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I was just thinking about you last night and trying to remember when Atticus would be joining us! What an absolute doll baby!!!  Fun times ahead! Can't wait to watch him grow up and I'm so happy for you, Charlotte. 

[charlotte bednarsh]

Thank you.

[Amy and Annabelle]

He is beautiful. Now which collar color was he?

[charlotte bednarsh]

He is the black collar male...the one I really wanted!

[Kaitee and Orwell]

That little white tuft of hair... so cute. I love his color. 

Question: How do you get into that kind of therapy work? I was thinking about doing that a while ago instead of doing hospital visits with my boy purely because it interests me more.

[charlotte bednarsh]

I am Director of Children's Services at the NYC Family Justice Center in Brooklyn so I approached the "powers that be" about the concept of a trained therapy dog providing support for the victims we serve.  I provided documentation and a plan which was accepted and needless to say all the legal issues were addressed such as insurance etc.  Paz's presence became so valued, that he was then allowed to accompany a victim into a court.  All of this took time and training, however it is really rewarding.  You might reach out to Child Advocacy Centers and google organizations in your area that use therapy dogs in different situations.  Let me know what you find out.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I read an article a while ago that showed dogs in the courtroom, which would be my ultimate goal. I realize I will have to jump through hoops with Orwell, but I think we would both have a good time doing all of it. 

Thank you for the suggestions. :)

[charlotte bednarsh]

It truly is so very rewarding.  Google Child Advocacy Centers in your area, and they might be using therapy dogs  Let me know if I can help in any way.

[BG and Gavin]

Kaitee, I mulled over this idea for me and Gavin as well. We have an organization through the police and court departments called victim/witness services. The problem is, if you are not working for that agency, making yourself available to them is near impossible. Here is why: At least in the Canadian system, court dates and schedules change continuously with plea deals, continuances, etc. You could be ready to go a dozen different times and the victim would not make it into the courtroom. Or you could wear your dog out by working too long at a spell while waiting. I can't imagine having enough flexibility to do it well. Plus you would not want to let the victim down by not being available on a certain day. Not to be a downer on the idea, just keeping it real ;)