The Shaggy DA (Assistant)
Author: District Attorney
Date: 3/9/2021 11:00 AM
Among the prosecutors, a precious pooch now patrols the halls of the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.
Edgar, a 3-year-old yellow lab and golden retriever mix, is the newest DA staffer. His title: Courthouse Dog. His sole job is to help witnesses and victims of crime make it through difficult preparations for court simply by being a good boy and letting himself get scratched behind the ear.
A facility dog donated from Canine Companions for Independence; Edgar is also trained to assist clients with special needs. For the DA’s office, Edgar’s specific duty will be to provide peace and calm at the Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center.
“Preparing for interviews and testifying can be quite nerve-wracking for witnesses and victims,” said Dan Dow, the SLO DA and Edgar’s new boss. “Having Edgar around for folks to pet and hug will provide a level of comfort and support for some folks who really need it.”
Edgar will assist handlers Jennifer Love and Tim Murphy during their work with victims of crime.
The estimated cost of a highly trained facility dog like Edgar is valued at $50,000. However, Canine Companions dogs are provided at no cost, due to the generosity of tens of thousands of donors and volunteers.
“The DA’s office is also very grateful for the financial assistance of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation who donated $5,000 to assist in the costs of our courthouse dog program,” Dow said.
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About Canine Companions for Independence
Canine Companions for Independence provides expertly trained service dogs to children and adults with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has six regional training centers across the country. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. For more information, visit www.cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.
