What's up dog?

Mabel has a unique role at the court. She is NZs only court dog trained to support victims of crime. She is a fully trained Mobility Dog. Mobility Dogs have kindly given me Mabel to take over from my previous dog Louie.
Part of Mabels training was completed via Mobility Dogs Puppies in Prison programme. Mabel has lived with prisoners in both Springhill and Auckland Womans prison. Its a beautiful synergy that Mabel had gone on to support victims of crime.
When there is a trial in Tauranga involving young people, they are offered the support of Mabel by the Detective in charge or by the Crown Prosecutors.
Our young complainants give evidence from a separate building to the courtroom and via CCTV. Mabel meets them outside the building and they take her lead and walk through the security station. Usually this would be very intimidating for a child but having Mabel with them focuses them on her. The security team will wand and pat Mabel down which the children find funny.
Mabel will then push the lift button and we accommodate the child to our secure witness room.
There can be a lot of waiting at court so its a great opportunity for Mabel to show off her ability to open cupboards and drawers and pass the children packets of biscuits and toys.
When a child gives evidence, we surround them with adults but as soon as Mabel is in the room its as if everyone breathes again.
Its well known that stroking a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol. The childs family and other support workers also benefit from having Mabel there.
Mabel sits quietly at the childs side as they give evidence. My objective with Mabel is to ensure that the process isnt intimidating for the child and that they are calm enough to give the best evidence possible.
Mabel gives everyone a wristband reminding them that they are pawsome.
Of course Mabel has a huge impact on the whole court team. It is a very stressful environment but Mabel is always there for cuddles. As we walk around the building everyone greets Mabel. I am literally chopped liver!!
We will often pop up to the Judges chambers for Mabel to get a belly rub from her favourite members of the judiciary.
Although Mabels role is in the criminal court we often go over to the family court building to see everyone there. Its impossible to walk around the building without Mabel being greeted enthusiastically by lawyers, police and defendants.
The court environment is very tense but as soon as Mabel arrives it takes th tension down a few notches.
Mabel is still owned by Mobilty dogs and Im so grateful that they have entrusted me with her. She is a huge asset to the Ministry.