Louie the Tauranga Court Dog passed away
It’s with great sadness that we advise that Louie the Tauranga Court Dog passed away yesterday after a short illness.
Louie, along with his owner Victims Advisor Gail Bryce, worked closely with children and young people coming to give distressing evidence at the Tauranga District Court. Louie calmed and comforted young victims as they appeared in court, helping them through the initial stages of preparing to give evidence and staying by their side if they needed his help in court.
“Louie just had a sense of when he was needed. He had a very nurturing nature and his presence helped let young victims know that they were in safe place,” says Gail.
“He touched so many lives, young and old, and really did his best to look after people and minimise their stress while they were here at the court.”
Acting Group Manager, Courts and Tribunals, Bruce Findlay says Louie will be deeply missed.
“He was a much-loved fixture at the court and he made an enormous difference to all those visiting and working in what can be a stressful environment.”
Check out this episode of Fanimals below to see Louie in action https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/fanimals/episodes/s2018-e26(external link).