We talk to Jennifer Barbettini, who runs the Courthouse Facility Dog Program in Ventura CA. The program connects victims of crime to doggy comfort when they testify in court and when interviewed by detectives.

We also talk with Mary Hooker and Mark Ruefenacht with the National Institute of Canine Service and Training.

Among its other programs, the organization provides emotional support dogs to first responders around the USA, in particular, to help those with disabilities in crisis.

Despite the shameful legacy of K-9’s used by government institutions to terrorize minority communities, dog lovers continue to train dogs and offer them for support.

This episode is hosted and voiced by Amanda Jurysta who also work on the audio editing.  Jacob Lesner-Buxton was lead producer, Josh Elwood assisted with the interviews and Adrienne Lauby assisted with editing.

The post Crisis Dogs – Pushing Limits – August 25, 2023 appeared first on KPFA.