The Sophie’s Place Child & Youth Advocacy Team is thrilled to welcome their new team member: Roo, an Accredited Facility Dog!
Roo was bred, raised, trained and placed by the Pacific Assistance Dog Society (PADS) to provide comfort and a calm presence to those in stressful or traumatic situations. The children and youth visiting Sophie’s Place have often experienced abuse, and it can be upsetting and scary to recount their experiences, even in the safe haven environment that Sophie’s Place offers. Roo can help calm children and youth with her presence. Roo helps take away some of the fear, anxiety and sadness, whether children choose to pet Roo or simply sit with her for support.
Roo also attends court with people she is helping. Not all dogs are allowed to be present in courthouses, but Roo is an Accredited Facility Dog! As long as the judge allows her to be in the courtroom, she can sit with witnesses while they testify and help them through the experience.
Roo is a 2.5 year old yellow Labrador Retriever. She was part of PADS’ “Australian” litter, hence her name Roo!
You can follow Roo’s adventures on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row]