Support dog to help kids at Langley Child and Youth Centre

This article was written by Matthew Claxton and originally published by the Langley Advance Times.

A new service dog will be on hand to help kids in Langley go through some tough times, thanks to a 10-year support commitment from the Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society.

A facility support dog will be coming soon to the Langley Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC).

The new facility helps children and families who have been the victims of abuse or domestic violence. A partnership that involves groups as diverse as social services organizations, it is run overall by Langley’s Encompass, with support from the Ministry of Children and Families, and the RCMP.

Now it will be getting a new furry team member as well.

A facility support dog, trained via the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program, helps by being a soothing presence for children who are talking about trauma.

Similar support dog programs have been used in areas such as Victim Services programs by the RCMP, and in court when children are testifying.

“Beyond excited,” was how Haylee O’Doherty, the sexual abuse support services councillor described her reaction to the addition of the dog.

The support dog will bring a calming energy to the CYAC, she said.

“I think it will make it feel more homey.”

Sasha Lewis, who works with victims and survivors of sex crimes, said she believes it will be grounding for people in trauma and crisis.

Facility support dogs are not pets, and spend two years being trained before going to their jobs with specialized agencies.

They are there to provide a non-judgemental, attuned presence during high-stress situations.

When traumatized children are telling their stories or in therapy sessions, the presence of a dog can help reduce emotional distress.

The dog may be used during forensic interviews, medical examinations, therapy and counselling sessions, court preparation and testimony, and in police or child protection meetings.

The dog is also expected to be a warm presence for the staff who deal with the high-stress job of helping kids and adolescents with serious crimes and abuse.

The long-term support by the Township Firefighters Charitable Society includes annual financial contributions, and may include gifts in-kind from the firefighters, such as dog food and veterinary care.

“As first responders, we see the impact of trauma every day,” said Jordan Sparrow, of the Township Firefighters Charitable Society. “Mental health support is incredibly important to us, both for the community we serve and within our own professions.”

He said that supporting a facility dog for the CYAC is a natural fit for the charity.

“We’re proud to stand behind a program that helps young people feel safe and supported.”

The new support dog is expected to arrive soon.

“We are deeply grateful to the Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society for choosing to commit to this important program for the next decade,” said Heather Scott, executive director of the Langley Community Health & Hospital Foundation.