Queens DA introduces ‘fist bumping’ therapy dog to support crime victims

QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) – The Queens district attorney has a new team member providing comfort and companionship to crime witnesses and victims.

Kimi, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever, is the only facility dog in the New York City district attorneys’ offices, according to District Attorney Melinda Katz’s office. Kimi has been working with the Queens District Attorney’s Office since August and has assisted on three cases.

“Kimi has been an extraordinary addition to our team here at the Queens District Attorney’s Office. She’s affectionate, highly trained, and has already assisted survivors and witnesses and put them at ease,” Katz said. “It is extremely difficult to speak about traumatic events, and service dogs like Kimi help vulnerable people feel more comfortable as they navigate through a prosecutor’s office and the courthouse.”

Kimi is partnered with investigator Dionisia Mikalef. She will primarily assist in special victims cases and domestic violence cases but is also available to any bureau in the office that may need her services.

“Pets and animals are vital to the lives of survivors of domestic violence, providing emotional support and comfort during their healing journey,” acting commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Saloni Sethi said. “We are thrilled for the opportunity to have a therapy dog support clients and staff alike.”

Kimi was housed by Canine Companions under a volunteer puppy raiser for the first year and a half of her life. She then underwent six months of intensive training on Long Island, mastering skills such as opening doors, pushing buttons, and even “fist bumping” with her nose.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here .

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