Deaf Therapy Dog Helps Little Girl Testify Against Her Abuser

Aug 14, 2018 by apost team

Going to court is scary, especially for children. As these brave kids testify against the people who hurt them, they receive help from a four-legged ally named Karl.

Regardless of your age, going to court is a stressful experience. It's a no-nonsense atmosphere full of strangers, who are tasked to make difficult decisions that deeply impact people's lives. Even if it's just jury duty, adults dread it - and if grown ups feel that way, imagine how it must be for a child. Sometimes children have to testify in court. These kids are facing people who have abused them, and telling a painful, personal story to room full of strangers. It’s a frightening experience.

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Joanne Rittenhouse, a therapy dog trainer, is here to help. She explains in the video that having a therapy dog calms down the children, and makes them feel protected. Karl is one of these dogs. He’s been a therapy dog for 5 years, 3 of which he’s spent in court. Despite being deaf, Karl can communicate well. He understands American Sign Language. Karl has helped many children go through the court process. His calming personality makes the children feel safe.

Carol Feiner first became acquainted with the dogs after a child under her guardianship was assaulted. The child was diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety because of the incident, making it nearly impossible for her to enter the courtroom. At first, she wouldn’t even get out of the car and wanted to stay outside. However, when she met Karl, all of that changed. “She got out of the car just to see Karl,” Feiner says in the video. “Never mind the deposition or the trial.” Karl and the little girl built a powerful bond.

Dogs like Karl and trainers like Rittenhouse and Feiner are making the world a better place. They’re helping children feel safe during the hardest event of their young lives. The dogs don’t have to do much – simply sit by the children and let them pet them- but it’s making a world of difference during a scary time. Karl is a hero, and so are the humans who trained him.

So What do you think, are these dogs performing a brave duty? Watch the video and see for yourself, then give your thoughts below.