For instance, every day in downtown Greenville, he shows up for work with( remarkably soft) shaggy hair, a wet nose and the habit of sitting on the feet of anyone he senses is stressed. He shows off constantly with twirling and high fives, insists on ear scratches, jumps on the furniture and doesn’ t speak a word of English. Although he understands quite a bit.
Meet Willie Sweet, Hunt County CAC’ s therapy dog, a buttery soft 2-year-old golden mini doodle who joined the team a little more than a year ago.
“ So I’ ve been here as program director for about eight years,” Jessica explained,“ And about three years ago I was having a meeting with our two district judges, Keli Aiken and Andy Bench, talking about ways to better support the kids in court,” and after discussing several options, it was enthusiastically decided that a therapy
dog might aid in softening the difficult process.
Sometimes for the victim, the justice system can feel like a punishment.
“ CPS is scary for them. Police officers are scary for them. So [ at the advocacy center ] we do forensic interviews to help give them that safe, neutral space where they can talk to a friendly face and tell their story,” Jessica said.
BUT IN COURT THERE IS NO COMFORT.
“ We have advocates who come to the courtroom so [ the victim ] can see people are there to support them but they can’ t be on the stand for them when they’ re going through that really difficult process,” Jessica said.“ They’ re facing their abuser for the first time. They’ re talking about something they hold a lot of trauma for. And it’ s almost always someone they know, love and trust, so that really compounds the impact of that trauma. Therapy dogs are the best way for kids to feel comforted during that time where adults can’ t.”
When it comes to providing comfort, Willie lands in a master class. His disposition made him an instant winner in the search to find the right dog to fulfill their mission.
Jessica’ s mother had two mini doodles so from experience, she sensed the breed’ s temperament might suit the kind of work the dog would be expected to do. So when doodle puppies became available just blocks from the police department, she went to take a look. From the minute she laid eyes on the puppy, she knew he was the one. Playful, smart and friendly, he stole her heart.
“ Some doodles have really, really curly coats,” Jessica said.“ And then there’ s Willie’ s. I love his. I love where it’ s wavy.”
Training started immediately but not before the puppy was properly named.
“ Initially it was suggested we name him Willie after Willie Nelson but my son asked‘ is he Willie because he’ s‘ Willie, Willie sweet?’”
THE NAME WILLIE SWEET STUCK.
“ So now it’ s his Instagram handle – Willie Sweet Therapy Dog,” Jessica said.
Even before Willie had his shots and could socialize with others, Jessica began the puppy’ s training.
“ It’ s so critical when they’ re little, so I started downloading the apps and taught him to sit, lie down, stay, spin and high five before we started the actual training. He’ s a smart boy,” Jessica said,“ We started at Pet Smart in Rockwall. He did beginner classes and graduated and then intermediate, and all this time I’ m looking at what I need to do to get him certified as a therapy dog because there’ s a lot of really great therapy dog organizations.”
She found her support from Love
16 GREENVILLE LIFE