To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Board of Supervisors
Staff Name and Phone Number: Shane Lewis 565-3150
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution congratulating Court Support canine Miranda on her retirement from the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office.
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Executive Summary:
Adopt a Gold Resolution congratulating Miranda on her retirement from the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office.
Discussion:
Miranda was specifically trained and picked to be the first Court Support dog for the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office. She was provided by Paws As Loving Support Assistance Dogs (PALS), a local organization with over 15 years of experience and a pioneer in introducing courthouse dogs to Northern California's legal system. Through the collaboration of Nancy Pierson and former District Attorney Jill Ravitch, the Victim Services Division gained this innovative and compassionate resource to support survivors of crime by reducing stress and providing comfort at the Hall of Justice.
Miranda officially joined the District Attorney’s Office in 2015, becoming its first facility dog. Since then, she has served as a steady and calming presence for victims and witnesses navigating the legal system. Whether greeting visitors in the lobby, accompanying victims during testimony, or sitting with minors during interviews, Miranda's gentle demeanor has brought immeasurable relief to those in need.
In addition to assisting victims and witnesses, Miranda has been a calming staple to District Attorney Office employees. Towards the end of her career, she has made it a point, on her own, to seek out employees who she thought needed comfort and solace. Over her ten-year career, she has also been a beloved figure at schools, career days, victim service events, and numerous community functions. Her impact extends far beyond the courtroom-Miranda has empowered countless individuals, offering unwavering support and understanding in even the most challenging circumstances. Miranda paved the way for other courthouse dogs to be trained and placed with other local counties.
After almost a decade of service to the office and those they serve, Miranda is ready for a life of leisure and retirement. Having assisted in training her successors, Darla and Lucy, she steps back knowing her legacy of comfort and compassion is in capable paws.
Prior Board Actions:
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Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
Gold Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
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