SPOKANE, Wash. – Skipper, the region’s first Courthouse Facility Dog, is officially retiring. Skipper’s job was to provide support to victims of child abuse and neglect at the local nonprofit Partners with Families and Children.
Skipper gave nine years of service, starting in December 2016, and provided comfort to hundreds of children and families navigating the trauma of abuse and the stress and pressures of court.
“Skipper has provided thousands of hours of support to individuals and families,” said Stephanie Widhalm, Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center. “Whether sitting beside a child during a forensic interview or walking with them into a courtroom, he’s helped make the situations that can cause stress and worry to feel a little less scary. We’ll miss his gentle snuggles and the way his paws carried so much love.”
Skipper spent time with children to support them during forensic interviews, medical evaluations, legal proceedings, outreach events and crisis response throughout Spokane and Lincoln counties, according to a statement from Partners with Families and Children.
Skipper’s handler and caregiver, Meghan Davidson, helped establish the facility dog program.
The release celebrating Skipper also celebrated Davidson, saying, “Her dedication and advocacy helped establish the facility dog program, laying the foundation for future generations of trained Facility Dogs in the courtroom and beyond.”
Skipper won’t be leaving his position vacant for long.
Partners with Families and Children reported that their team is working closely with Tori, another trained facility dog at Partners, to continue Skipper’s work.
A community tribute to Skipper’s service will be shared on social media at @PFCspokane.
“We’re going to miss him deeply,” said Widhalm. “But we celebrate all that Skipper has done, and the kindness he brought to every child, every hallway, and every hard moment.”
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