K9 Augie Joins SAFE Family Justice Center, Crime Prevention Unit

RIVERSIDE, CA ? This week, the Riverside County District Attorney's office introduced their newest canine partner: a 5-year-old standard poodle known as Augie who has worked as a seeing eye dog and is now a certified therapy dog.

Augie joins the SAFE Family Justice Center and the Crime Prevention Unit to help engage with the community, according to Kate Perry, supervisor for SAFE. Perry is the canine handler for the unit.

If you've ever seen a therapy dog but shied away from petting it, don't think twice with Augie. He wears a bright orange vest saying to ask for petting privileges. Augie will not shy away, in fact, he loves what he does.

SAFE Family Justice Centers, run through the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, are a safe space for victims of abuse to get help. Here, victims will find advocates and support services to help navigate the minefield of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and elder and child abuse.

"His primary role is working with children and families who interface with the Crime Prevention Unit at our schools, but he's also available as the supportive unit in all of our Family Justice Centers," Perry said.

One of the best things about Augie is his ability to match his demeanor to the need. The dog can take on a serious behavior or be playful, especially in the presence of several children, she said.

A support and therapy canine is vital in helping all who experience increased levels of stress and trauma.

Augie will fill that bill.