First Lady Youngkin Celebrates Neon: Petersburg's Canine Companion and Upcoming Facility

First Lady Youngkin with Canine Companions facility dog, Neon, his handler, Officer Babukovic, and members of the PBP May 22, 2024.Photo byOffice of the Govenor of Virginia

By Kristy Tallman, May 24, 2024

PETERSBURG, VA – Following National Police Week, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin visited the Petersburg Bureau of Police (PBP) to celebrate the men and women of the PBP and meet Neon, the Canine Companions facility dog supported by Governor Youngkin’s fourth-quarter gubernatorial salary donation last December.

The Governor’s donation of $43,750 underwrites the cost of two Canine Companions facility dogs. The first of these dogs, Neon, has been partnered with a Petersburg police officer to serve as a community bridge builder and ambassador. Neon, a yellow lab and recent graduate of Canine Companions Team Training, has been active in the Petersburg community since April, visiting schools, participating in community events, and providing support services to those in and around the criminal justice system.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with Canine Companions facility dog, Neon, on May 22, 2024.Photo byOffice of the Govenor of Virginia

“Neon’s impact is palpable in the Petersburg community,” said Youngkin. “I am so proud of the work the committed men and women in blue — and now our dedicated, four-legged friends — are doing to keep our communities safe and connected.”

“Having Neon onboard has been nothing but a tremendous asset for us,” said PBP Chief of Police Travis Christian. “Neon has been a huge addition in terms of building bridges and relationships within the community.”

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with Debbie Dougherty and Jessica Reiss of Canine Companions on May 22, 2024.Photo byOffice of the Govenor of Virginia

“We couldn’t be happier to be partnering with the Youngkins to support Canine Companions facility dogs in Virginia,” said Debra Doughtery, Canine Companions Northeast Region Executive Director. “We're pleased the Petersburg community is already seeing benefits from our Facility Team Neon and Police Officer Michael Babukovic. The partnership with Governor Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin speaks to the heart of the Canine Companions mission, serving adults, children, and veterans with disabilities at no cost. We're also pleased to be moving forward with our new service dog facility donated by the Helen and Murray Main Foundation in Mathews, Virginia, opening in late 2024.”

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with Canine Companions facility dog, Neon, and Officer Babukovic on May 22, 2024.Photo byOffice of the Govenor of Virginia

Neon was matched with Officer Michael Babukovic during a two-week training program in Medford, New York, after being raised in New Jersey. Quickly becoming the most popular ambassador for the PBP, Neon will continue to serve the community by coming alongside victims and witnesses during court proceedings and interviews to provide the critical comfort needed to cope with crime. As for the PBP, Neon has already made an impact on the staff by lowering tension, stress, and grief within the office.

A Canine Companions facility dog is carefully trained to perform various commands to enrich the lives of their partner and environment. Their uncommon skills are used to enhance therapies, promote participation and communication in stressful situations, and reduce anxiety for clients in professional environments. A Canine Companions facility dog is bred to be calm, reliable, and affectionate in any situation.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with Canine Companions facility dog, Neon, on May 22, 2024.Photo byOffice of the Govenor of Virginia

The decision to donate the fourth-quarter gubernatorial salary to support Canine Companions facility dogs in Petersburg reinforces the Governor and First Lady’s commitment to strengthening the Petersburg community. In 2022, Governor Youngkin established the Partnership for Petersburg, a plan that encompasses six pillars, over 50 initiatives, and coordinates with over 90 partners to transform the city.

By Kristy Tallman, May 24, 2024
The Republic News
Source: Office of First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Virginia