Breed: Labrador Retriever
Carrie is one of the beloved Facility Dogs at CARES Northwest, where she plays an essential role in helping children and families feel safe, supported, and grounded during medical and forensic evaluations. Whether she’s offering comfort in the waiting room before or after a forensic interview, sitting with a family member while they meet with the Family Support Team, or providing quiet reassurance to staff after a challenging day, Carrie has an incredible ability to sense what people need—often before they’re able to put it into words.
Her calm, affectionate presence helps ease tension, builds trust, and makes what can be a stressful experience feel a little gentler. For children and caregivers alike, Carrie is a steady reminder that they are not alone.
CARES Northwest provides specialized, trauma-informed services for children and families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Through coordinated medical and forensic evaluations, family support, and a child-centered approach, CARES Northwest works to reduce trauma, strengthen safety, and ensure children and families are met with compassion and care at every step.
Carrie was expertly trained by Canine Companions, a national nonprofit organization that raises and trains service and facility dogs. From puppyhood, she learned over 40 specialized commands and was carefully socialized to remain composed, responsive, and calm in a wide range of environments. After completing her advanced training, Carrie was matched with her handler, Dominique, at Team Training—a two-week intensive program where the two learned to work together as a true partnership. Today, Carrie brings her skills and loving nature into every interaction, offering comfort, connection, and calm to the children and families who need it most. Carrie has also been trained in a specialized cue called “cover,” which allows her to provide deep, therapeutic pressure as a grounding technique when a youth or family member is experiencing anxiety during the evaluation process. It’s one more way she helps people feel steady and supported in moments that can feel overwhelming.
Carrie has a remarkable gift for showing up exactly when someone needs comfort most. During one forensic interview, a patient became overwhelmed while sharing their story and felt unable to continue. When Carrie entered the room and gently curled up on the patient’s lap, her calm presence helped the patient feel safe enough to take a breath, regulate, and finish the interview.
In another moment, during a debrief with a parent after an evaluation, the parent became emotional while hearing disclosures shared by their child. Without any prompting, Carrie quietly approached and rested her head in the parent’s lap—offering steady comfort and reassurance during an incredibly difficult moment. These moments reflect what makes Carrie so special: her compassion extends not only to children, but to the entire family system—and even to the staff who carry this work with care every day.
Off duty, Carrie is playful, speedy, and always ready for an adventure. She loves exploring local Sniffspots and spending time with her two doggy siblings at home, Kobe and Bailey. Whether they’re racing around the yard or relaxing together, Carrie enjoys every minute of her downtime—bringing the same joyful spirit to her home life that she brings calm and comfort to CARES Northwest.
Want Us to Feature Your Facility Animal Next?
Submit your own facility animal to the Comfort Crew and tell us about the comfort they bring. They might be featured on our page next!
