BATAVIA, Ohio — The Clermont County Prosecutor's Office has a new four-legged member in its Victim Assistance Program.
Germaine, a 2-year-old Labrador/retriever mix, joined the office through Canine Companions, a group that trains service dogs for various roles. Prosecutor Mark Tekulve and Victim Advocate Allyson Ware brought him onto the team.
The Victim Assistance Program in Clermont County started in 1985 and had four full-time team members before Germaine arrived, according to the office. His addition brings the total to five.
Ware said the dog's commands include providing deep pressure, both while sitting on a person's lap and while on the ground, to help with anxiety. She described a "cover" command in which he lies across a person. Germaine practiced that command on Sgt. Yvonne Sheppard and a reporter.
Tekulve said Germaine can help put victims at ease, and he said the office wants to relieve some of the difficulty people in these situations face.
In his first couple of weeks, Germaine has already been used in a domestic violence case, Ware said. She said the family had met her before and reacted with excitement when they saw the dog.
Ware said Germaine is also being trained to sit in the courtroom and support victims who may testify for extended periods.