July 22, 2023
Today marks Comfort Dog Ryan’s two-year work anniversary with the Seattle Police Department so we wanted to give him a shout-out and brag a little about his accomplishments!
Ryan is a 3-year-old yellow lab who was donated to the Department courtesy of America’s Vet Dogs and Courthouse Dogs via the Seattle Police Foundation. Initially, Ryan was slated to serve as a part of SPD’s Wellness Unit alongside Buffalo and Otis, providing emotional support to the men and women of SPD. Instead, he was paired with Detective Shannon Waldorf of SPD’s Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit, and went to work helping those who needed him the most: survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, violent crime, and child abuse.
While he is also available to the men and women of SPD, Ryan’s primary role is to comfort survivors of violent crime as they navigate the system in pursuit of justice. This often includes sitting with violent crime survivors during the interview process, as they recount the harrowing, nightmarish circumstances of their attacks.
Ryan’s serene temperament is matched only by his sweet, friendly disposition. He loves people and enjoys making new friends. Every time he’s out in the community with his handler, he’s eagerly embraced by community members of all ages who are excited to meet him.
In his time with the department, his impact has been profound.
Ryan has sat with more than 19 adult survivors of sexual assault during their lengthy and often traumatic interviews with detectives. One survivor had to be interviewed at her home due to the extent of her injuries. Ryan snuggled up next to her on her bed, while she gave the violent and horrific details of the stranger-rape that occurred on her walk home from work.
During another interview, Ryan curled up and went to sleep at the survivor’s feet. When she began to get emotional, Ryan immediately went to her, and laid his head in her lap.
He was not ordered to do this. He sensed what was needed in that moment and went to work.
Ryan has visited the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC) for more than 11 interviews with young survivors. Ryan meets the family first, then sits with the child and the child forensic interviewer during the interview. Ryan has made a world of difference for apprehensive children unsure about the interview process, helping them relax enough to be successfully interviewed by the investigator/interviewer.
Ryan has also sat with young survivors as they’ve been interviewed at neutral locations like their school or at Seattle Police Headquarters, located downtown Seattle.
Another way Ryan’s ability to generate comfort and serenity has been leveraged and maximized is through his service to community members at the King County Courthouse. Ryan has sat with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence during a defense interview, as well as during arraignments and during sentencing.
Additionally, Ryan has accompanied Detective Waldorf to visit survivors at multiple hospitals, while they were receiving care for their injuries. Ryan’s mobility is an incredible asset, as the gentle, well-behaved lab is able to meet with survivors anywhere.
Ryan shines during community events! During MLB All-Star Week, Ryan and Detective Waldorf passed out hundreds of Ryan’s custom-made baseball trading cards to children attending the festivities. Det. Waldorf was met with overwhelming support and gratitude from Seattle residents, neighbors, and guests, as they learned more about Ryan and his mission, and the way he is utilized to support and empower survivors of violent crime.
Even when surrounded by crowds of people, Ryan remains sweet and entirely unflappable. In December of 2023 he left an indelible imprint on the hearts of families during the Ronald McDonald Holiday Cruise with Argosy event, which takes place on Christmas Eve and provides a one-of-a-kind experience to families with children receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital.
Ryan is an amazing resource with widespread impact. He is available to any SPD investigator to use during difficult interviews. All they have to do is request his presence.
Last but definitely not least, Ryan often gets the opportunity to fulfill his initial purpose as a Wellness Dog for Seattle Police Department employees. Ryan attends training events with Detective Waldorf where he is encouraged to interact with officers for some impromptu animal therapy. He’s visited our offices as well, and we can absolutely say that it is impossible to have a bad day when Comfort Dog Ryan is around!
Thank you to Courthouse Dogs and America’s Vet Dogs for making Comfort Dog Ryan a reality at the Seattle Police Department!
