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Imagine having to discuss your most terrifying experiences as a young child in a large, scary courtroom. Now, picture yourself with a large, hairy companion to keep you safe. That’s exactly what Raegna, a remarkable therapy dog, does for young victims in Becker County, Minnesota.
Who is Raegna?
Raegna isn’t your average therapy dog – she’s a Leonberger, a rare breed that looks like a friendly lion with her huge, fluffy coat. Though she’s only two years old, she’s already making a huge difference in the lives of children who need her most. Her breed was originally created to be companion animals, and as her handler Katie Watland says with a smile, “this is her jam.”
When children arrive at the Becker County Courthouse, they’re often terrified and stressed. They’re there to testify about abuse they’ve experienced – something no child should ever have to do. But the moment they see Raegna, something magical happens. Amanda Jimenez, who’s been the victim services coordinator at the courthouse for seven years, describes it perfectly: “Seeing a dog here is instant relaxation, instant happiness.”
How Raegna Helps
When it comes to figuring out who most needs her, Raegna seems to have a sixth instinct. She moves close up to people who are experiencing emotional turmoil and gives them what Katie refers to as “dog hugs.” She just provides unwavering love and support without passing judgement or posing enquiries.
Brian McDonald, the Becker County Attorney, explains that they bring in Raegna for “the hard cases, the really traumatic cases.” Before a trial, young victims need to:
- Review their statements
- Tour the courtroom
- Prepare for what to expect during the trial
Having Raegna there during these preparations makes an enormous difference. Children feel more comfortable and can recall details more easily when they have their furry friend nearby.
The Perfect Partnership
Behind every great therapy dog is a dedicated handler, and Katie Watland fits that role perfectly. Katie used to be an eighth-grade science teacher – and quite an accomplished one at that. In 2020, she was even named a top 10 finalist for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. After retiring from teaching, she found a new calling in working with dogs, including her special work with Raegna at the courthouse.
Becoming a Certified Therapy Team
Getting certified as a therapy dog isn’t as simple as being friendly and well-behaved. Both Raegna and Katie had to:
- Complete online training
- Travel to St. Cloud for evaluation by Pet Partners (a national organization)
- Pass rigorous testing
Raegna didn’t just pass – she earned the highest possible rating, known as a “complex” rating. This shows just how exceptional she is at her job.
The Impact on Young Lives
While Raegna can’t actually go into the courtroom during testimony (due to legal restrictions), she provides crucial support before and after. When children finish testifying, they rush out to give Raegna big hugs. It’s these moments that show just how important her presence is to these young survivors.
A Community Effort
The program’s success comes from the dedication of many people:
- Katie volunteers her time completely free of charge
- The County Attorney’s Office works to integrate Raegna into their victim support services
- Court staff, from attorneys to bailiffs, have embraced Raegna’s presence
Beyond the Courthouse
When she’s not helping at the courthouse, Raegna stays busy. She’s great with kids at schools and libraries too. But according to Katie, helping at the courthouse is “by far her favorite thing to do.” Katie now runs a dog boarding business called Knotty Dog Boarding, caring for 10-14 dogs on average, but Raegna’s work at the courthouse remains special.
Why This Matters
Beyond just offering solace, the court system is impacted by the presence of a therapy dog like Raegna. It makes it possible for young victims to recount their tales more effectively, which benefits the functioning of the legal system. As County Attorney McDonald points out, they’ve recently been successful in pursuing some really challenging cases with Raegna’s assistance.
The Power of Unconditional Love
Perhaps what makes Raegna so effective is the simplicity of what she offers: unconditional love and support without judgment. In a system that can feel cold and intimidating, especially to children, she provides warmth, comfort, and a friendly face that helps make an unbearable situation a little more bearable.
While this program is still relatively new – Raegna has only been helping for about a year – its success suggests it will continue to grow and evolve. The positive response from both the legal system and the young victims it serves shows just how valuable this kind of support can be.
When you think about what these young victims have to go through – facing their abusers, reliving traumatic experiences, answering difficult questions – having a friendly, furry face nearby might seem like a small thing. But as anyone who’s been comforted by a dog during tough times knows, that simple presence can make all the difference in the world.
The Bigger Picture
Raegna’s story is about more than just a dog helping kids feel better. It’s about:
- Innovation in the legal system
- The power of community support
- The importance of making difficult processes more humane
- The incredible impact that even simple acts of kindness can have
As more people learn about the success of this program, there’s hope that similar initiatives will spread to other courthouses across the country. After all, if a furry friend like Raegna can make such a difference in one community, imagine the impact that could be made if every courthouse had a therapy dog program.
Conclusion
Ultimately, this account serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most potent answers to challenging issues can be unexpectedly straightforward. In Becker County, a kind dog, a committed handler, and a community open to trying new things have come together to produce something genuinely unique. Raegna might make all the difference for the young victims who have to go to court to confront their perpetrators.
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