Assistance dog to comfort and support crime victims

Across 28 states there are 87 specially trained dogs that help comfort and support crime victims and their families during the investigation and prosecution of crimes.  A courthouse facility dog will soon join the office of the Oconee-Anderson Solicitor and become the first dog of its type in South Carolina.  Courthouse facility dogs are trained to be confident, affectionate, and comfortable, having close physical contact, especially with children.  In the 10th Circuit counties, the dog is to help provide a sense of calm to anxious victims and witnesses during interviews, meetings with prosecutors, and on the stand during trials.  Assistant solicitor Chelsey Moore has been named the dog’s handler and primary caretaker.  The public is invited for a presentation 3 to 4 tomorrow afternoon on the third floor of the Anderson County Courthouse.