We at Ned’s Wish have always thought that dogs are “people” and PSD Hawk has made it official! He is the first EVER dog to be recognized as a “Support Person” by the Alberta Court of Queen’s (now King’s) Bench.
Hawk was the first dog in Canada to provide “in Court” Support for a Court of Queen’s Bench trial. In November 2014, a special hearing was conducted in order for Hawk to be recognized as a “support person.” Permission was granted, allowing Hawk to provide support for an 8 year old sexual assault victim. This hearing, the first of its kind in Canada, set a precedent, which has allowed other victims of crime to have the support they need in Court.
Hawk was born on May 19, 2010, and underwent 3 years training with Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS). Hawk began working with the Calgary Police Service Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) on October 1, 2013, and retired on June 15, 2021. As the first ever VAST K9 Trauma Dog, Hawk’s main role was to provide emotional support and comfort to vulnerable victims and witnesses testifying in court.
Cst Darryl Jones was Hawk’s partner from July 2016 up to Hawk’s retirement in June 2021. Hawk is retired to Cst Darryl Jones and lives with him alongside his VAST K9 replacement “Webber”, who has big paws to fill.
In retirement Hawk volunteers every Wednesday of the school year at Calgary’s Our Lady Of Grace School. Hawk has developed a habit of greeting young children with a stuffed toy in his mouth, which delights them and makes them want to engage in Hawk’s favorite activity “tug of war”. Even in his retirement, Hawk is continuing to provide an invaluable service to his community and we are proud to welcome him to the Ned’s Wish Family!