20 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 4-10, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com The Weekly documented some of the work these dogs do while honoring the confidentiality of victims they serve in the photo essay that runs throughout these pages. Before McGuirk was paired with a dog, he applied to Canine Companions, based in Santa Rosa, then spent two years on a waiting list. (The nonprofit provides a fully trained dog—and training to the human handler—free of charge.) McGuirk was then paired with 18-month-old Odie the Black Swan, and she arrived at the DA’s Office in November 2014. Odie quickly proved her value, serving children and adults. An unidentified survivor wrote to the DA: “Dear Odie, you are the best service dog I ever knew. Thank you for being there for me. I will miss you, and I don’t want to leave you, but you have to help other girls and boys. I love you so much!” After providing comfort to more than 1,000 victims of crime over 11 years, Odie died in May. Anticipating the desire to continue offering a service dog trained in victims’ services, McGuirk trained with another dog as Odie got older. In October 2022, he was matched with Norma Jeane. Both the handler and the dog go through extensive training together, beginning with six months under supervision of a certified trainer, learning 50 to 60 commands to work in a public environment and to assist individuals in need. The command “Visit” prompts the dog to approach a survivor of a crime or a family member to comfort them—letting them pet her with a hand or foot, or just calmly sitting by their side. “Up” directs the dog to get up on the couch, and “Lap” to lie its head on the person’s lap. After completing the essential introduction, the dog continues training, on average 15 minutes a day. Armani reports to handlers Kristin Peterson, a victim advocate, and Nichole Reed, assistant to the DA, District Attorney staff attend a training session with Armani, allowing the dog to practice his courthouse skills. Kristin Peterson walks with Armani and Norma Jean from the District Attorney’s Office to the Salinas courthouse for a training session with attorneys.
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