CALGARY – It’s been 6 months since Hawk, Calgary’s first trauma dog joined the Calgary Police’s Services Victims Assistance Unit but in the past few days he’s worked harder than ever.
“We’ve been going pretty much all morning, all afternoon and into the evening each day since the incident happened.” Sgt. Brent Hutt, Hawk’s handler explains.
Early Tuesday morning, five people at a party in Brentwood celebrating the end of classes were stabbed to death. 22-year-old Matthew de Grood now faces five counts of first-degree murder in connection with the case.
“Seeing Hawk interact with some of the witnesses and some families was particulary impactful for me,” says Sgt. Hutt. “When I’m crouched down on the floor with him and to see people come and pet him and he licks their face… you see the emotions start to come out of people and we’re able to have meaningful conversations.”
Since Tuesday Hawk has been used to comfort witnesses as well as members of some of the 5 victim’s families. He was also at a vigil held on the University of Calgary’s campus and has spent time at the Alberta College of Art and Design and in the community of Brentwood.
“I was always a strong believer of what Hawk could bring to the table, but these past 3 days have just far exceeded my expectations for what he can do.”
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