Prosecutor's Office Welcomes Newest Victim Advocate

Don't be alarmed if you see a dog at the courthouse.

Prosecutor Lynn Deddens with Therapy Dog in Training, Bailey. Photo provided. 

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - If you see a dog around the courthouse don’t be surprised. It is the newest member of the Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutor Lynn Deddens today announced the adoption of Therapy Dog in Training, Bailey. Bailey is a 8-month-old goldendoodle who is in the process of being trained as an emotional support animal for victims of crime.

“Victims of crime are faced with the aftermath of what for some will be the most traumatic events of their lives.” Prosecutor Lynn Deddens said. “These victims are often the most vulnerable in our society such as children and the elderly. In the course of seeking justice, they must often relive the story of their traumatic event multiple times before and during a trial. Emotional support dogs have been used to great success to provide comfort to those victims.”

According to the Courthouse Dogs Foundation there are over 257 dogs in 41 states providing a variety of services in the courthouse from the courtroom to interviews of vulnerable victims. The State of Indiana alone has six emotional support dogs in use around the state.

“I started in the Prosecutor’s office as a victim advocate and I saw first-hand what victims face, when I was elected, I decided to look for ways to make their experience just a little easier.” Prosecutor Deddens said. “An emotional support dog ensures that victims have the ability to have a comforting advocate with them through such a traumatic process.”

Bailey was purchased from a family who breeds goldendoodles in Rising Sun. Both Bailey and her training are being paid for by Prosecutor Deddens without the aid of any tax dollars. Since then, Bailey has started her training at Brick + Mortar K9 Academy. This is just the beginning of her long journey to become certified. The Prosecutor’s office will provide updates on her training as she progresses.