FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County Child Advocacy Center’s Facility Dog, Heiress, has maintained her Assistance Dogs International (ADI) certification after passing the ADI routine assessment and re-certification testing.
Canine Companions, a national nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs, facilitates the training and support to all assistance dogs placed by the agency. During the regulated ADI re-certification testing, Canine Companions staff members ensure that the assistance dog teams maintain skill retention and exude the high level of skill necessary to ensure safe and meaningful work within the community. Staff members visually assess the dog’s physical health and appearance, as well as the interaction between the assistance dog and their handler.
In 2019, Heiress was placed and certified as a Facility Dog Team with Kristen Dunn, LCSW-C, a Forensic Interviewer with the Frederick County Department of Social Services. Heiress is a 5-year-old yellow Labrador/golden retriever cross that was bred and trained by Canine Companions. As a Facility Dog, Heiress was expertly trained to support clients as they visit the Child Advocacy Center, participate in child maltreatment investigations, engage in therapeutic services, and participate in legal proceedings.
For more information please contact the Frederick County Child Advocacy Center at 301-600-1758 or via email at CACinfo@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
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