Attorney's office gets therapy dog

The Ninth Judicial District Attorney's Office is getting a new companion.

A male golden retriever named Kasey was adopted by the office from the Kasey Says program in northern New Mexico.

"In three weeks we will be getting that dog as a puppy," said District Attorney Andrea Reeb. "It's neat. We're really excited. It's the cutest puppy ever."

Kasey will be a therapy, facility and courthouse dog once he enters the jurisdiction, said Senior Victim Advocate Miranda Gonzales.

Gonzales added Kasey will be involved with local school programs in Curry and Roosevelt counties including reading and anti-bullying programs, with the hopes he will be recognized as a community dog.

Kasey will train with Gonzales after spending the next three weeks with his dog family in Santa Fe.

"Initially, when we bring Kasey home, we will potty train him," said Gonzales. "He will (also) go to the trainer (at Kasey Says) where they will work with him."

Kasey should be active in the Clovis-Portales area by spring.

A local veterinarian has volunteered to offer services for Kasey, Reeb said.

Gonzales said she will look into receiving donations for food items from businesses.

"Our area has not had this type of a facility dog before," said Gonzales. "Our main focus is gonna be for (crime) victims. Kasey has a calming effect."

Gonzales said Kasey will be brought into courtrooms when needed to provide emotional support to victims, including trips to the Oasis Child's Advocacy Center.

Gonzales said watching courthouse dogs provide calm support for victims in the Berrendo Middle School shooting in Roswell was an inspiration.

"That's our main thing," said Gonzales. "We want to make sure (the victims are) calm."