Meet Queenie, our Justice Facility Program dog!
Queenie is a Golden Retriever – Labrador cross. She was bred, raised, trained and generously provided to our program by the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS). PADS is accredited through Assistance Dogs International (ADI), which adheres to the highest caliber of training standards available. Queenie was trained for 3 years for her role as a Justice Facility Dog, and was chosen for her calm and stable temperament.
Queenie helps people by:
• Reducing blood pressure;
• Lowering heart rates;
• Helping people to return to an adaptive level of functioning;
• Providing cathartic and healing touch;
• Increasing oxytocin levels and reducing the negative effects of stress hormones;
• Helping improve cognitive functioning;
• Promoting unconditional acceptance and non-judgmental support.
Queenie can assist in a variety of different circumstances:
• Attending meetings at Hollyburn with clients to provide comfort during emotion-filled conversations;
• Supporting witnesses by attending pre-trial interviews and sitting with vulnerable witnesses when they testify.
• Supporting victims during forensic interviews by police
• Supporting clients at challenging meetings at hospitals, doctors appointments, or as negotiated
For more information about our Justice Facility Dog Program and Queenie please contact Patti Custance at 604.618.5863 or at pcustance@hollyburnsociety.ca