Forsyth Sheriff's Office Welcomes First Comfort Dog, Booberry

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA — The newest recruit to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is a little furrier and cuter, plus she walks on four legs.

Booberry is the most recent addition to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office family, the department said on Facebook Sept. 14. She is a rescued, mixed breed, 4-year-old that recently completed comfort dog training.

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Detective Cpl. Roe then completed a week-long training with Booberry becoming certified in Canine Good Citizen. This certification allows Booberry and Roe to work with child and adult crime victims.

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is a two-part course designed to help dogs and owners be the best they can be, together, the American Kennel Club said. Since 1989, over 1 million dogs and their owners have participated in CGC, mastering 10 basic skills that instill confidence and good manners in and out of the home, AKC said.

Not only does CGC training create long-lasting trust between the owner and the pup, but also ensures they'll be good neighbors and friends to everyone around them, AKC said. If owners are interested in going beyond the basics, CGC also lays the foundation for other AKC sports and activities like obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events.

In recent studies from Florida agencies implementing “comfort” K9’s in the child victim interview process, disclosures from the children increased over 50 percent once the K9 program was implemented, FCSO said.

Booberry will join Roe in the office every day, so she is available to provide some much-needed comfort when duty calls.