Therapy dog ‘Max’ helps young girl testify in Prince George
Posted November 20, 2015 11:43 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
PRINCE GEORGE (NEWS 1130) – A therapy dog made his first appearance in BC Supreme Court in April, helping a nine-year-old witness testify at a violent assault trial.
RCMP say the girl witnessed the assault several months ago in Prince George and bonded with Max, a yellow lab, when they met shortly afterward.
Police say the girl was excited to have the dog with her as she took the stand, saying she told officers, “He makes me feel safe, and I wasn’t as scared.”
Mounties say the witness reached down and patted the dog throughout her testimony and, while waiting between court sessions, she drew pictures of Max, made him do tricks, dressed him up in a shower cap, and gave him the nickname, “Chef Prince Max.”
Prince George RCMP’s therapy dog program began two years ago; it also includes Grimmus, who comforts those traumatized at the scene of a crime.
