In Seattle, English Labrador Retriever Ryan serves as a comfort dog for the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit. Since arriving from America’s Vet Dogs nearly 3 1/2 years ago, Ryan and his handler, Det. Shannon Waldorf has supported 115 individuals—72 children and 43 adults, according to the Seattle Police Department.
Known as “Doggy Ryan” by his handler, Det. Shannon Waldorf, Ryan attend interviews and court proceedings, sometimes lasting 2–4 hours. In one instance, he comforted a sexual assault survivor three years after first meeting her, as she read her victim impact statement to a judge, according to the Seattle Police Department blog.
Ryan also provides comfort to young survivors during child forensic interviews and at schools. The mother of a 15-year-old told SPD that Ryan helped ease her daughter’s anxiety about recounting trauma. The Children’s Justice Center of King County noted that Ryan helped a young girl feel safe enough to participate fully in her interview…