NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A 2-year-old golden and Labrador retriever mix named Kimi has joined the Queens District Attorney’s Office as a facility dog to provide comfort to victims and witnesses of domestic and gender-based violence, D.A. Melinda Katz announced on Wednesday.
“Kimi has been an extraordinary addition to our team here at the Queens District Attorney’s Office. She’s affectionate, highly trained and has already assisted survivors and witnesses, and put them at ease,” Katz said. “It is extremely difficult to speak about traumatic events and service dogs like Kimi help vulnerable people feel more comfortable as they navigate through a prosecutor’s office and the courthouse.”
The service animal was provided free of charge by the national nonprofit organization Canine Companions, making her the only facility dog in a district attorney’s office in New York City. Canine Companions executive director Debra Dougherty said that Kimi, and other facility dogs, can be trusted in professional environments due to their training, and they perform over 40 commands meant to reduce anxiety and provide a calming effect.
“Placements like Kimi with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office are exemplary of the human-animal bond because animals are non-judgmental and are always happy to have that human companionship,” Dougherty said. “We’re really proud to be able to help the most vulnerable people in society, and we look forward to hearing about the many successes Kimi will have helping victims testify.”
Kimi arrived at the office in August and has already assisted victims in three cases, including two children, and is available to work in situations where prosecutors think victims or witnesses may benefit.
She is partnered with Detective Investigator Dionisia Mikalef, who takes her home at night and received training on Long Island at the Canine Companions northeast headquarters, where Kimi was also taught her commands.
Kimi was introduced this week as part of the office’s public information campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is held each October in an effort to unite advocates.
“Pets and animals are vital to the lives of survivors of domestic violence, providing emotional support and comfort during their healing journey,” acting Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Saloni Sethi said. “They also inspire our dedicated staff, reminding us of resilience and strength.”