Cara the comfort dog plays key role for Strafford County sheriff's office

DOVER — One of the most beloved members of the Strafford County sheriff's office has four legs.

Cara is a 1-year-old black Labrador retriever, the department's comfort dog. The dog is ready, willing and eager to spread her love.

Deputy Josh Wright is Cara's handler. Cara lives with Wright and he and his family have developed a stong bond with her, but he was not her first handler.

Cara and the comfort dog program was initially brought to the sheriff's office by Wright's former partner, Deputy Katie O’Brien. After O'Brien's sudden death Oct. 2, 2022, Wright said he felt compelled to take over care of Cara.

"Deputy Katie O’Brien was an excellent deputy assigned to our Civil Process Unit," said Chief Deputy Joseph McGivern, currently serving as acting sheriff. "She has always had a love for animals and was instrumental in bringing the K-9 comfort program to our office. Her passing was a tragedy, and everyone that knew her misses her very much."

Wright said department members were asked if anyone wanted to assume care and training for Cara.

"If no one wanted to, they would have rehomed her or sent her to another department," he said. "I wanted her. Katie was my partner, and Cara helped me to grieve for her, and to honor her by doing this. I worked with Hero Pups, where she came from. They helped us train and bond. I can still call them with any concerns or questions."

It was a decision Wright said he has never questioned.

"I love her, and she has become my best friend," Wright said of Cara. "She is so great. She wants me to be right with her all the time. She takes my hand and makes sure I pet her. I have three kids, and they have been asking for a dog for a long time. She loves them all, is always trying to sit in my 8-year-old's lap. If I have a bad day, she knows and she sticks extra close, even trying to lick my pillows if she can."

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As a comfort dog, Cara goes everywhere with Wright. He said she has been helpful in area schools, particularly following a traumatic incident.

"Just seeing the light, she brings to kids' eyes, touches my heart," he said. "Sometimes kids have a hard time talking with counselors, but not too many find it hard to hold Cara."

Cara visits courtrooms, where Wright said she can help children involved in a tough case to relax.

"It's absolutely amazing the effect Cara can have," Wright said. "It's calming and it helps them to be able to smile. Dogs are so good at picking up on emotion. They know when someone is sad, and she always wants to help."

Wright said one of the favorite parts of his job is getting out in the community and interacting with people. He said Cara's positive vibe makes it easy.

"Even a stop at Petco or Lowe's is a successful trip for Cara," Wright said. "Everyone wants to pet her. People often think they can't touch her because she is a police dog, and many times that's true for a police dog, but not for Cara. She really, really wants you to pet her. So, come and talk with us."

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Cara the comfort dog serves Strafford County via sheriff's office