Courthouse dog to begin work in Stafford

Kahn to meet the public

STAFFORD — The Stafford County Courthouse will gain a new employee on Feb. 21.

It will be Kahn’s first day on the job — a very important job in comforting victims, young and old, who have been through violent crimes including sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse.

You see, Kahn is a black Labrador retriever, and he’s all set to start work with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Victim-Witness Office. Through training with the Courthouse Dog Program, $5,000 was funded through assets forfeited by convicted criminals, so there was no cost to the county for the dog’s services, according to a press release from Stafford County.

Kahn will work each day at the courthouse and will live with his handler Juanita Maley of the Victim-Witness Assistance Office.

Through the Courthouse Dog Program, Maley and Kahn were trained to work with victims in the criminal justice system. Typically in the program, the dogs come from a group called Canine Companions for Independence, an organization that trains canine companions, service dogs and facility dogs just like Kahn.

Additionally, Canine Companions for Independence has a network of veterinarians that help with upkeep on services for the dogs at reduced costs or for free

“The goal of having a courthouse dog is two-fold,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Olsen, “We want the dog’s presence to make children and adults more comfortable so they can better tell their story. Plus, we hope it will help make a tough experience a little easier on those who’ve already had a hard time.”

Kahn will sit with victims and be able to comfort them as they are being interviewed about a crime that happened to them. Courthouse officials say that having a dog with them tends to relax people and allows them to open up more easily.

The dog will not be in the courtrooms but will be available for victims beforehand. 

“Stafford’s court system has a deep respect and appreciation for the courage of the victims who come forward to work with our prosecutors,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Susan Stimpson, Falmouth District.  “Kahn will be a great help in making victims, especially children, more comfortable.”

Maley and Kahn will visit county offices Feb. 21 and Feb. 22 from 1 to 1:45 p.m. where the public and media are invited to meet them in the Jury Assembly Room of the Stafford Courthouse, 1300 Courthouse Road, in Stafford.

Tracy Bell is managing editor of the Stafford County Sun. Reach her a tbell@insidenova.com.