Believed to be a first in Canada, a special support will be at a child sexual abuse trial in a Calgary court.
Hawk, the Calgary Police Service dog, is a four-year-old black lab, and is the rock star of K9s in the city.
He is much more than a pretty face though.
Hawk proudly shows off his badge as a CPS member, and will make history this week by becoming the first trauma dog to help children as they testify in a Canadian court.
The two children will be telling their stories in a sexual abuse trial; the identity of the accused cannot be released to protect the young victims.
Hawk spent significant time preparing for this important role by meeting the kids, and making sure they are comfortable with him.
The presence of trauma dogs is common in U.S. courtrooms for the same purpose.
It’s all about making the young witnesses feel more comfortable.
Hawk’s job is not complicated.
He sits calmly in the room, and he might even lay down.
Hawk helps people in stressful situations relax, making the uncomfortable and unspeakable more bearable.
There is already talk about a second CPS trauma dog.
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