Victim Support Dog, Yuko
Since 2010, the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office has had a victim support dog. Yuko, the second dog to serve in the position, has been the Victim Support Dog since April 29, 2019. Yuko is a highly trained, certified assistance dog who works as a team with trained handlers in the Victim-Witness Unit.
As a courthouse dog, Yuko is able to provide comfort and support to vulnerable victims, which reduces anxiety and helps calm the fears of vulnerable crime victims who are navigating the criminal justice system. He is especially adept at calming child abuse victims.
He took over for Sunday, Ada County Prosecutor’s first courthouse dog, who began serving victims in November 2010.
Yuko is a Labrador Retriever. He received his training and certification as an assistance dog from Canine Companions for Independence, a member of Assistance Dogs International, and was provided free of charge to the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office.