[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1/5 vc_col-md-1/5 vc_col-xs-1/5″][us_image image=”81787″ size=”thumbnail” align=”left” style=”circle” has_ratio=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4/5 vc_col-md-4/5 vc_col-xs-4/5″][vc_column_text]By Nev The Newshound[/vc_column_text][us_post_date][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This month we meet working dog, Marley Henry of Galston. Marley is one of the awesome therapy dogs helping to make the scary world of the Judiciary a little easier to bear for court witnesses and victims of crime. He is part of the Canine Court Companion Program which is a community based initiative by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT in partnership with NSW Government Dept of Communities and Justice (Victims Services) He helps to relieve victims’ anxiety and stress when they are required to attend court.
NEV: Firstly, Marley, let me say I take my hat off to you buddy, you are providing an awesome service. How did you fall into this line of work?
MARLEY: I spent the first 16 months of my life in a wonderful home, looked after by my Guide Dog puppy raising family until I was ready for my official training at the Guide Dog Centre in Glossodia. At the end of my training, I found I was more suited to therapy work so Guide Dogs decided I could join their Canine Court Companion Program.
NEV: What do you enjoy most about this job?
MARLEY: I enjoy seeing smiles on people’s faces when I enter the courthouse, everyone seems happy to see me. Some people are very upset but if I sit quietly beside them they smile, pat me and start to relax. I love the children the most, they read to me and show me their trucks and sometimes let me play with their Barbie dolls. There are crumbs in their prams too, so that’s always a bonus.
NEV: Some days must be very emotional for you. How do you like to unwind when you get home from a busy day at Court?
MARLEY: My mum and dad often take me to the beach after court. I love the beach and spend hours doing zoomies through the waves with my best friend, Cruise. Other days I can’t wait to get home and curl up with Cruise and have a really good sleep.
NEV: What advice would you give to any pooches out there who might be considering taking on a role like this?
MARLEY: Work hard on your obedience, patience, listening and cuteness skills. Us Court Dogs help people feel better, on what could be one of the most stressful and difficult days of their lives. We make a difference
Attention all Top Doggos! For your chance to be recognized for the fabulous work you do in either providing a PAWSOME service or just chillin’ in the office helping with staff morale – get your peeps to enter you into this competition: www.people2people.com.au/oztopdogs[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
