The Cricket Center’s newest facility dog helps abused children

It's no doubt that the Cricket Center in Berlin does a ton of work when it comes to helping children in Worcester County. 

As a child advocacy center, they are always looking for ways to make the kids feel at a ease during a stressful time. And their newest employee is doing just that.  

Josiah is the Cricket Center's newest facility dog! Canine Companions for Independence, a national non-profit organization providing assistance dogs for children, adults and veterans with disabilities, has granted them their Canine Companions Facility Dog.

Now this isn't your ordinary dog. This Labrador/Retriever mix is trained to respond to over 40 advanced commands. 

His new job will be working with children who have been abused. 

Josiah welcomes children when they come in. This calms them down– so they can do the forensic interview and he's also with them when they engage in therapy. 

His new job will be working with children who have been abused. 

Josiah welcomes children when they come in. This calms them down, so they can do the forensic interview and he's also with them when they engage in therapy. 

Cricket Center's Executive Director, Wendy Myers tells us, "When folks are here, their family is in crisis and we're always looking for ways to help families get through those tough times. Josiah is a great way for them to get a source of comfort, normalize things for them."

Eventually, Josiah will go to the courtroom with the children when they testify. 

But more than anything, the Cricket Center is happy that Josiah is getting some attention because it gets people talking about the signs and symptoms of abuse.