A beloved service dog at the Waterloo Region Courthouse is getting ready to hang up her vest after nearly seven years on the job. Monet, a justice facility dog with the Child Witness Centre, has spent years helping children and youth navigate the justice system as victims or witnesses of crime and abuse. Now, she’s passing the leash to her successor. Four-year-old Baker joined the Child Witness Centre team in May and is beginning to take over Monet’s role supporting young people through the legal process. “She has supported almost 250 individual clients,” said Kaitlin Hudder, a caseworker with the Child Witness Centre. “She has been present at almost 100 criminal trials, and she’s done almost 500 in-person meetings.” Monet’s work has included being present with children in court as they testify. Hudder said having a furry friend nearby can help reduce stress for children and youth during what can be an intimidating process. “Just being in the presence of a calm, well-behaved dog actually has been shown to lower the stress hormone cortisol,” Hudder said. “And when children and young people are more regulated, they’re much more able to communicate clearly during their testimony.” Monet will soon enter retirement, where she’ll have more time to relax and enjoy life outside the courthouse. “Just really take care of herself and enjoy being Monet the dog,” Hudder said. Baker taking over While Monet is stepping away, Baker has some big paws to fill. The Child Witness Centre estimates it costs about $8,000 a year to support Baker, including veterinary care, food, grooming and transportation. The agency is currently looking for someone to sponsor the costs associated with his work. “His role, unfortunately, is not funded by the government,” said Marisa Korga, a caseworker with the Child Witness Centre. “We are looking for an individual, group or company to support him, to help us with that really critical financial point.” Baker and Monet are not typical therapy dogs or emotional support animals. They are accredited and trained through National Service Dogs to work specifically in justice settings. For now, Monet and Baker are working side by side, with Monet helping her successor learn the ropes before she officially retires next month.
