DOVER — One of probably the most beloved members of the Strafford County sheriff’s workplace has 4 legs.
Cara is a 1-year-old black Labrador retriever, the division’s consolation canine. The canine is prepared, keen and wanting to unfold her love.
Deputy Josh Wright is Cara’s handler. Cara lives with Wright and he and his household have developed a stong bond along with her, however he was not her first handler.
Cara and the consolation canine program was initially delivered to the sheriff’s workplace by Wright’s former accomplice, Deputy Katie O’Brien. After O’Brien’s sudden demise Oct. 2, 2022, Wright stated he felt compelled to take over care of Cara.
“Deputy Katie O’Brien was a wonderful deputy assigned to our Civil Process Unit,” stated Chief Deputy Joseph McGivern, at the moment serving as performing sheriff. “She has all the time had a love for animals and was instrumental in bringing the Okay-9 consolation program to our workplace. Her passing was a tragedy, and everybody that knew her misses her very a lot.”
Wright stated division members had been requested if anybody needed to imagine care and coaching for Cara.
“If nobody needed to, they’d have rehomed her or despatched her to a different division,” he stated. “I needed her. Katie was my accomplice, and Cara helped me to grieve for her, and to honor her by doing this. I labored with Hero Pupsthe place she got here from. They helped us practice and bond. I can nonetheless name them with any issues or questions.”
It was a choice Wright stated he has by no means questioned.
“I really like her, and he or she has change into my greatest buddy,” Wright stated of Cara. “She is so nice. She needs me to be proper along with her on a regular basis. She takes my hand and makes certain I pet her. I’ve three youngsters, and so they have been asking for a canine for a very long time. She loves all of them, is all the time making an attempt to sit down in my 8-year-old’s lap. If I’ve a nasty day, she is aware of and he or she sticks further shut, even making an attempt to lick my pillows if she will be able to.”
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As a consolation canine, Cara goes in every single place with Wright. He stated she has been useful in space faculties, significantly following a traumatic incident.
“Just seeing the sunshine, she brings to youngsters’ eyes, touches my coronary heart,” he stated. “Sometimes youngsters have a tough time speaking with counselors, however not too many discover it laborious to carry Cara.”
Cara visits courtrooms, the place Wright stated she may also help youngsters concerned in a tricky case to loosen up.
“It’s completely superb the impact Cara can have,” Wright stated. “It’s calming and it helps them to have the ability to smile. Dogs are so good at choosing up on emotion. They know when somebody is gloomy, and he or she all the time needs to assist.”
Wright stated one of many favourite components of his job is getting out locally and interacting with individuals. He stated Cara’s optimistic vibe makes it straightforward.
“Even a cease at Petco or Lowe’s is a profitable journey for Cara,” Wright stated. “Everyone needs to pet her. People usually suppose they cannot contact her as a result of she is a police canine, and plenty of instances that is true for a police canine, however not for Cara. She actually, actually needs you to pet her. So, come and discuss with us.”
