By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
As Wood County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Dobson introduced the “newest soldier” in the fight to aid local crime victims, Norene sprawled out on the floor of the Wood County Courthouse atrium.
Norene, a black lab trained to give comfort and courage to victims of crime, had her first official day on the job Friday. She was welcomed by her new courthouse co-workers.
“We prosecute the worst things people do to each other,” Dobson said. To find justice, crime victims often have to share details that are “painful, personal and sometimes in excruciating detail.”
The result is often retraumatizing to the victims, he said.
That’s where a wet nose, wagging tail, and big brown eyes can help a crime victim endure the necessary but uncomfortable process.
The prosecutor’s office has been working to get a “facility dog” for nearly four years, Dobson said. Other prosecutors’ offices in Ottawa, Lake and Summit counties have seen the success of such a program, he said.
Norene, trained by the Ability Center of Greater Toledo, can recognize 40 cues – not commands, Dobson made clear.
In addition to the basic “sit” and “down,” Norene knows when someone puts their palm up on their lap that she can rest her head there. If a person needs more, she is more than willing to spread her front half like a lap blanket.
Norene has been trained to ignore distractions, endure distances, and withstand durations – whatever is needed. So she will rest her chin in a hand, or spread out on a lap until she is told to do otherwise.
If a victim wishes, Norene will be able to lay quietly next to them as they testify in court.
The 2-year-old lab can also provide distraction when needed. When asked to be “pretty,” she sits on her hind legs. During the press conference, Dobson was careful to spell out r-o-l-l-o-v-e-r, rather than send Norene rolling across the floor.
Norene is also trained to bring a tissue to someone in need (no guarantee it will be slobber free).
To make it “official” on Friday, Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn swore in Norene to her new post. That was a first for the sheriff.
“I have deputized many, many people over the years,” but no animals, he said.
With her tail wagging, Norene was given a badge, and placed her paw on an inkpad, then made her mark on her deputy certificate.
Dobson reminded those in attendance that Norene is not a performance dog, “she is an employee.”
Norene’s presence in the courthouse complex is bound to help many survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence, said Kathy Mull, executive director of the Cocoon, which services those survivors.
“It is never an easy journey for survivors to relive their trauma,” Mull said. “This will help them in their healing process,” and ultimately aid them in getting the justice they deserve.
The lab was named Norene in homage to a nun at Lourdes University who bequeathed funds to the Ability Center. Stuart James, director of the Ability Center, said that agency is all about making the community better.
“Norene is going to make the community better,” James said. “She is going to sit with people and support them.”
And while Norene is at their feet, they will have “a nun on their shoulder,” James said.
Dobson said no taxpayer money is being used for the facility dog program. Norene’s training was paid for through donations to the Ability Center. The funds to train prosecutor office staff, and provide care for Norene will come from a law enforcement trust from criminal forfeited funds.
Norene’s primary handler is Annie Wilson, administrative director in the prosecutor’s office. Trained as secondary handlers are Dobson, Victims Services Director Becca Von Sacken, and Civic Division Chief James Hoppenjans.
Norene lives with Wilson, who snapped a “first day on the new job” photo of the pup on her front porch Friday morning.
“She’s a lover,” Wilson said, excited about the possibilities with Norene. “Oh my goodness, the work she’s going to do with the people she works with.”
