On Staten Island, justice has gone to the dogs. Meet Bronksey, New York’s first comfort dog. So far, he seems to be embracing his duties. Bronksey’s mere presence enabled a 12 year old boy to get through testimony during a grand jury hearing for an abusive relative.

“There is something magical about the presence or touch of a loving dog that helps victims forget their pain and fear, if just for a moment, and be able to concentrate on moving forward and healing,” said DA Daniel Donovan of Staten Island.

Donated by Canine Companions for Independence, dogs like Bronksey typically bears a cost of $45,000.00. CCI dogs are selected
at the age of 8 weeks and placed with volunteers who teach basic commands and socialization until the pup is 18 months of age and ready for advanced training at a CCI facility. Dogs receive an additional 6 months of advanced training for a variety of tasks such as assisting disabled people or therapy dogs, not exclusive to crime victim assistance.

Bronksey has two dedicated handlers who split custody of him weeknights and weekends. Upon his retirement, he will live permanently with one of the lucky two.

While using therapy dogs to assist crime victims is relatively new, it is already not without controversy. According to a year old New York
Times article another therapy dogs assistance during testimony at a jury trial has come under fire. The defendant is claiming the assistance dog unfairly swayed the jury.

Despite this, Donovan is still confident of Bronksey’s future service on the witness stand, albeit out of view of jurors.

“As a prosecutor, I feel obligated to do everything I can to make it easier for victims of crime, who must constantly relive what was likely the most physically, psychologically and emotionally traumatizing experience of their lives,” Donovan Jr. said in the press statement.

– Amy Lidster