Zara the court therapy dog, and her handler Davie Macdonald, help stressed people at Manly Court
Victims of domestic violence receive a helping paw from Zara the court companion therapy dog, and her handler Davie Macdonald, at Manly Courthouse.
Manly
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ZARA is a beautiful labrador who has just hit a milestone in helping those who participate in a sensitive area of the northern beaches community.
With her bright golden eyes, soft nose and wonderful temperament, she has been lending a helping paw of support as a court companion therapy dog at Manly Courthouse.
The five-year-old, and her volunteer handler Davie Macdonald, have made more than 50 visits to the courthouse in Belgrave St where they make an effort to bring down stress levels.
Zara and Davie — a court companion team — not only mingle with anxious defendants, victims of crime and witnesses sitting nervously in the waiting room, but also say hello to hard working court staff, solicitors and police.
She was originally being raised as a potential Guide Dog puppy, but Davie discovered Zara was allergic to grass — she broke out in terrible sores — so she became a court therapy dog instead.
“Our objective is to soften the experience all people face when they are waiting to appear before the Court,” Davie said.
“Our principal role though is to support victims of domestic violence.
“I knew she was a very special dog so, as a Court Companion team, we attempt to give support to victims of domestic violence when the matter goes to court.”
Zara and Davie visit the court each Tuesday morning, the time when the majority of domestic violence matters are dealt with by the magistrates.
Davie has a special affinity with the victims of this form of abuse. He suffered physical and emotional abuse in his English homeland after he was separated from his birth mother son after he was born.
He ended up in an orphanage, and later in a series of foster homes, as well as stints back with his natural family.
“My experiences of bullying at primary school; and at home are a principle driver today for becoming engaged in a program to support victims of domestic violence with Zara.”
Davie recently received a nomination in the recent NSW Volunteer of the Year awards for his work with the therapy dogs, as well as helping raise potential future guide dogs for the visually impaired.