New Greene County Juvenile Office employee loves helping others and getting head scratches
The Greene County Juvenile Office welcomed a new, furry-faced employee last month. A 3-year-old black English Labrador, Duo Dog Derby is the office's facility dog.
As a facility dog, Derby is trained to provide emotional assurance. During his "shifts," Derby can be found providing support during counseling sessions or playing with youth in detention. Each Wednesday, he attends family treatment court.
A few weeks ago, Family Court Administrator and Chief Juvenile Officer Bill Prince witnessed first hand how Derby makes a positive impact.
"A couple of weeks ago a lady was really upset about something and was probably going to have a tough time making it through court," Prince said. "Derby came in and calmed her down, and I think she even said, 'I would not have made it through court today without Derby.'"
Derby's primary handler is clinical coordinator Ethan Potter. As a licensed clinical social worker, Potter hosts individual, family and group sessions. He said Derby is a great icebreaker for folks who may be nervous.
During sessions, Derby may sit on the couch with the individual, at their feet or just near Potter, having a presence in the room. In one instance Potter recalled, a youth opened up during a session after Derby laid across his lap, providing both physical and emotional support.
As part of the agreement with Duo Dogs, Derby must spend at least 40 minutes a day getting exercise. With recent high temperatures, Derby has spent a lot of time playing in the detention gym.
"Sometimes we're able to bring youth one-on-one with Derby into the gym and they can have some play time," Potter said. "It's two-fold. (The youth) get to decompress and have some time in the gym, but (Derby) is also getting a workout."
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Along with helping youth and families, Derby has had a "significant impact" on staff morale, Prince said.
"I would just say he's had a campus-wide impact on the county," Prince said. "Seeing Derby come around, that just lifts spirits."
On the clock, Derby is often described as "stoic," but as soon as his facility dog cape comes off, his playful personality comes out.
"When we get home, he's ready to play and he's just like a regular dog," Potter said with a laugh.
As far as petting, Derby is a trained service animal but part of his duty is providing physical touch. Always ask about petting Derby before doing so.
Want to keep up with Derby? Follow him on Facebook or Instagram at @DuoDogDerby.
Established in 1981, Duo Dogs is a national nonprofit that trains and connects dogs to stem positive change for individuals, families and communities. The organization trains three types of dogs: assistance dogs to aid individuals with physical challenges, facility dogs and touch dogs who provide support in hospitals.
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Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Derby joins Greene County Juvenile Office team as facility dog
