Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center (LCCAC) and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office have announced the newest addition to their team, a support dog named Linden. The two-year-old Labrador Retriever, trained and donated by Duo Dogs, Inc., will primarily serve as comfort and support to children during the investigative process.

Duo Dogs, Inc. is a national non-profit organization that trains dogs and connects them with people to cultivate positive change. Linden has been assigned to the LCCAC until he turns 10 years old. He will be partnered with his handler, Carrie Wings, the LCCAC’s Education and Outreach Specialist. As a comfort dog, Linden will accompany children throughout the forensic interview process.

State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart stated, “Linden is wonderful. The most important thing is that we provide children with every comfort possible to help them while also making sure that our investigations are accurate and effective. As a father of two and a dog owner myself, I have seen firsthand how important dogs can be in the lives of children.”

Carrie Wings expressed her gratitude for Linden's presence at the center. "He has quickly become a member of our team and is already affecting those around him," she said. "I am grateful that Linden was chosen for us and that he is here to help children through a difficult and trying time while providing comfort and ease."

Linden is the third dog that Duo Dogs has donated to the State's Attorney’s Office. The first dog, Mitchell, was previously assigned to the LCCAC prior to Linden and retired in July 2023. Hitch, the second Duo Dog, retired last month.

LCCAC Executive Director Carrie Flanigan emphasized the important role dogs like Linden play when it comes to engaging the community and alleviating trauma associated with crimes against children.

“We are thrilled to welcome Linden as part of the LCCAC team. We have missed having Mitchell on site and we are excited to have already seen the difference Linden will make not only with the children he will assist, but also the team. These dogs make a tremendous difference in helping to regulate the emotions and fear associated with trauma. Linden will provide a much-needed calming effect to the families who walk through our doors,” Ms. Flanigan said.

The LCCAC’s mission is to provide a safe environment for child victims of sexual and physical abuse. The goal of the center is to investigate and help successfully prosecute these offenders without further trauma to the child.