By admin 
ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) – Etowah Province Sheriff’s Office and Probate Court have teamed up to have a K-9 therapy dog be part of adoption hearings, while another agency uses their K-9 to help students.
Not only are they considered man’s best friend, but for children, these dogs provide loving support when they need it most.
Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton announced a new partnership with the Probate Court to expand the reach of the county’s Therapy K-9 program.
“By helping victims advocate and by maintaining a calm attitude overall, Millie is playing a role in that area,” he said.
“Anytime we encounter children or anyone who has been marginalized in our probate courts or, more recently, in adoptions, every time you come into court, it’s an unfamiliar environment. There is a judge sitting there on a high bench wearing a black robe,” said Etowah County Judge Scott Hassell.
K-9 Millie reduces the tension and stress a child may feel by turning it into a positive situation. It provides a calm and loving presence and makes the child feel safe.
“You have to remember that when you’re in court, the way children got to where they are is often a traumatic experience, and for many of these children and the interactions they’ve had with law enforcement. could of course have been a negative experience,” said sheriff’s investigator Jameson Jenkins.
K-9 Luka, along with the Southside Police Department, provides therapy in schools by helping children with special needs.
“We do use it for special needs, autistic children. Many of them will naturally be attracted to the dog. It helps them relax and just open up so they can do their schoolwork a little easier,” said Southside researcher Eric Hawkins.
Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton says this new partnership is another way to promote positive experiences between law enforcement and the community.
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