Breed: Yellow Lab/Golden Retriever | Age: 3 Years Old
Zeppelin is a beloved facility dog at Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Alberta, Canada. At 3 years old, he provides calm, comfort, and emotional support to children, caregivers, and staff during some of the most challenging moments of the justice and healing process. Zeppelin supports children and their non-offending caregivers before, during, and after forensic interviews, throughout court preparation, and on court days. Whether he’s cuddling on the couch, offering comforting hugs, or showing off his tricks, Zeppelin helps ease anxiety and remind children they are safe and supported. His care also extends to staff, offering a calming presence, a cuddle, or a quick game of tug-of-war after difficult days.
Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre provides trauma-informed, child-centered support to children and youth impacted by abuse. Through coordinated services, forensic interviewing, court preparation, and caregiver support, Zebra works to reduce trauma, strengthen safety, and ensure children and families feel supported throughout every stage of the process.
Zeppelin spent two years in specialized training with Dogs With Wings, preparing him for the important work he does today. His training equipped him to remain calm in high-stress environments, respond to emotional cues, and provide steady, therapeutic support to children, caregivers, and professionals alike. After completing his training, Zeppelin was carefully matched with Zebra, where he now serves as a trusted and familiar source of comfort—showing up exactly when people need him most.
One powerful moment captures Zeppelin’s impact perfectly. A teenage girl came to the Centre for court preparation, with her trial scheduled for the following week. She was understandably scared and overwhelmed. As the team explained what the process would look like, the weight of it all became too much—and she shut down completely. Zeppelin was brought into the room, and without hesitation, he climbed onto the couch and curled up beside her. She sobbed into his fur, holding onto him as her nervous system slowly began to settle. With Zeppelin’s steady presence, she was able to regulate, re-engage, and continue the conversation. With his help, she made it through an incredibly difficult discussion—one that ensured she was prepared to share her story on the stand. It was a moment of courage, resilience, and quiet support—and a reminder of just how powerful Zeppelin’s presence can be.
When Zeppelin isn’t working, he’s delightfully goofy and happiest wherever his people are. His favorite off-duty activities include, being silly with his little brother, Putter, cuddling on the couch with his favorite humans, chewing on his bones, and going on long, sniffy walks. If his people are there, that’s exactly where Zeppelin wants to be.
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