She was born to do this.
It was great news for the staff working at Marion County Sheriff’s Office located in Florida as of late – they have gained a new staff member. But, she wasn’t human – she was a canine! Meet Lily, a dog who was almost put down due to a lack of space at the shelter where she was adopted in the nick of time. The sweet Corgi-Beagle mix is only 5 years’ old when she was found – and boy does she suit a job well!
Things went well for Lily – she has become the sheriff’s newly-certified therapy dog! Lily, along with her handler from the local Department of Children and Families, helps comfort both children and adults alike when they are questioned by investigators working on crime cases.
Sheriff Billy Woods stated that there has been an “enormous difference” since Lily joined them, especially during sensitive investigations and horrific crimes, enabling people, children especially to open up to them. Her canine presence has certainly made a positive impact upon the lives of crime victims living in Marion County.
Lily has already proven to be an irreplaceable team member!
Before beginning as a therapy dog, Lily almost faced euthanasia at a local shelter.
Lily escaped euthanization when she rescued to partake in Paws & Stripes College, an eight-week-long program that takes formerly unloved dogs from shelters and trains them for a variety of service jobs. The program has been greatly successful, as more than 500 dogs have already graduated from this program – and are currently leading better lives!
