Max, a therapy dog, joins county prosecutor’s office

BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) - The state’s attorney’s office in Bennington County has added Max, a therapy dog, to its ranks.

The Bennington Banner reports the Golden Doodle helps victims and witnesses feel more at ease.

Max recently passed a Vermont-sanctioned test for therapy dog certification and is the first official therapy dog in a Vermont state’s attorney’s office.

Max’s owner is a victim advocate in the Bennington office and pays for the dog’s care, maintenance and training.

During his busy schedule, he may comfort domestic violence victims in the courthouse or serve as a friendly distraction for a child caught in a custody battle.

Bennington County State’s Attorney Erica Marthage says she hopes Max will one day be allowed to accompany a victim at a trial.

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Information from: Bennington Banner, http://www.benningtonbanner.com