The newest member of Suffolk County DA Daniel F. Conley’s office is a two-year-old who may be quiet, but shows plenty of spirit and dedication to his work.
Indy represents a historic first—he is the facility dog ever assigned to a Massachusetts prosecutor’s office, and indeed to any government agency throughout New England. Provided at no cost by Canine Companions for Independence, this golden retriever and yellow Labrador mix joined the Suffolk DA’s office last month following a rigorous application and handler training process.
“fblikebutton_button” Conley noted that “fblikebutton_button”, explaining the particular challenges victims face in the criminal justice system. He continued:
Facility dogs like Indy differ fundamentally from service dogs, which assist one specific individual, typically someone with a disability. Instead, Indy provides emotional support and comfort to numerous people across the office, many of whom he meets for the first time.
The dog has already made an impact during his brief tenure. Recently, Indy met with a family coping with serious injuries sustained in an automobile accident, befriended a teenage sexual assault survivor, and participated in a forensic interview involving a young child who experienced physical and sexual abuse within their family.
Conley reflected on one particularly significant moment: He elaborated that in an earlier forensic interview, the child had been emotionally withdrawn and little progress was made.