Service dog gives hope to Mahoning County Prosecutor

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – If there’s one thing you look for in a difficult situation, it’s Hope.

That’s literally and figuratively now, as the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office has a comfort therapy dog finishing training.

Hope is a therapy dog being used by the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office. She’s ready to provide comfort to those in a difficult situation, such as victims or witnesses of crimes.

“You know what we are hoping to do and play on words with Hope is to provide comfort,” said Mahoning County Prosecutor Gina Degenova.

Hope is a rescue dog who has overcome so much in her life, and she’s been trained to help others by Jenny Falvey. Hope has to be comfortable being in highly emotional situations that might involve crying or loud voices, and be able to tune those things out and maintain her composure.

“So to bring this into a situation where you have people that are going through such difficult times, and to bring them some type of comfort or some type of support, by just having a dog near them that they can touch or pet or just be near them, can make such an impact,” Falvey said.

Jenny Falvey found Hope and did all of the training with her. Hope has passed a Canine Good Citizen Test and by the fall should be ready to step into her role at the Prosecutor’s office. She will provide comfort as people explain their situations.

“She gravitates towards people and children, and seems to be able to adjust to people’s emotions. I think that’s just a natural, innate trait that she carries,” Falvey said.

It’s an innovative approach. Hope has proven to be a strong supporter of people who show certain emotional responses. She can bring a smile, a sense of security, and of course, hope.

“My studies show that comfort dogs provide a good element of safety and security to help them get through these difficult times,” Degenova said.

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