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August 15, 2018
The Lake County Public Defender's Office Welcomes "Simba"
He's the First Facility Dog for a Public Defender's Office in North America
The
Lake County Public Defender is excited to announce that the first certified
facility dog ever assigned to an American Public Defender’s Office began work on Monday, August 13 in Lake County, Illinois.
"Simba" is a 2-year-old
Labrador Retriever, trained and donated by Duo Dogs, a national not-for-profit
organization, located in St. Louis, Missouri and accredited by Assistance Dogs
International. Simba’s primary
assignment will be at the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Division in Lake County’s
Juvenile Courthouse, where he will provide comfort, compassion and
companionship to children involved in abuse, neglect and dependency cases. He will share his same
empathetic energy in any Public Defender case where his special presence is
needed.
Simba will be cared for through generous donations and sponsorships from private sources including Tamarak Country School and Day Camp. His food and treats will be provided by Solid Gold Dog Food of St. Louis, Missouri, and his veterinary care is being provided by Dr. Derek Williamson at the Companion Animal Hospital in Vernon Hills. Simba will be handled by Assistant Public Defender / GAL Kathy Gordon and co-handled by Public Defender Division Chief Keith Grant.
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Contact
Kathy Gordon
Assistant Public Defender/ GAL
847-377-3360
Keith Grant
Public Defender Division Chief
847-377-3360
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