Dawn’s Story

Dawn sat in the waiting room, a little girl who was the victim of a sexual assault. She was surrounded by adults, case workers, police investigators, and victim advocates, each there to support her, but making her increasingly more fearful with every question and explanation about what was to come. She sat, twisting her hands nervously, and her eyes wide with unshed tears.

Polar moved to lie down at her feet, and as he did, she slid out of her chair to sit on the floor with him. As she wrapped her arms around him, he quietly repositioned himself to lay his head across her lap, and in doing so, he created a small but safe circle for just the two of them.

She stayed there, hugging him tightly and feeling the steady weight of his presence, not looking up to anyone else until her name was called. She kissed him on the head, took a deep breath, and stood, bravely walking through the doors for her medical examination.

When it was over, Dawn returned, quiet, withdrawn, and unsure. But Polar was still there, waiting for her, and, as if he knew what she was feeling, he lay his head on her lap once more, a silent reminder that she wasn't alone.

We were grateful to be able to be there for Dawn; to help her transform her fear into courage, and to support her in a way that only a Courthouse Facility Dog can.