Facility dog Nexa has joined the Green County Child Advocacy Center in Monroe, Wisconsin, providing comfort and support to children who have experienced abuse or witnessed violent crimes.
Nexa was placed at the center by Dogs for Better Lives, a national nonprofit organization that trains hearing assistance dogs, autism assistance dogs, and facility dogs. The specially trained dog arrived at the center in June 2025 and has quickly become an important member of the team, according to Adrienne, Nexa's handler at the advocacy center.
Supporting Children Through Difficult Interviews
The facility dog works directly with children during traumatic assessments and forensic interviews, which are essential parts of investigating suspected child abuse cases. During these difficult sessions, Nexa sits beside the child, allowing them to pet or touch her throughout the process, according to WMTV15 News. Children who visit the center weekly for treatment, sometimes for as long as a year, develop strong bonds with Nexa as she accompanies them through their healing journey.
Nexa knows many commands, but her handler reports she uses three most frequently: lap, visit, and squish. These commands are forms of deep pressure therapy that help reduce anxiety and provide calming support during stressful situations. Research shows that petting a dog can lower heart rates and decrease feelings of stress, making facility dogs valuable partners in trauma recovery.
The Green County Child Advocacy Center uses a multidisciplinary approach to investigate child abuse cases while keeping the child's best interests as the primary focus. The center coordinates with law enforcement, child protective services, and other professionals to conduct investigations in a way that minimizes additional trauma to young victims, United Way of Green County reported.
Expert Training and National Impact
Facility dogs like Nexa undergo extensive training through organizations like Dogs for Better Lives before being placed with professional handlers. These dogs learn interactive behaviors and tasks specifically designed for working in therapeutic and forensic settings with vulnerable populations.
They help create calming atmospheres during forensic interviews, provide emotional support during medical exams, offer comfort during therapy sessions, and may even accompany children to court if needed.
Gwen Dudek, Vice President of Programs at Dogs for Better Lives, emphasized the importance of facility dogs in community support systems. "Facility dogs help create environments that motivate people to participate in therapies, engage in classroom activities, and build confidence in their daily routines," Dudek said.
Dogs for Better Lives places trained service dogs with clients nationwide at no cost to recipients, relying entirely on donor and volunteer support. The organization partners with breeders, shelters, and rescues to acquire dogs, then provides them with expert training that prepares them for their specialized roles, as per Dogs for Better Lives.
