PITTSBURGH, PA – Sheriff Kevin M. Kraus introduced the newest member of the Sheriff’s Office, Lassen, a Golden Retriever/Labrador mix facility dog. Lassen comes to the Sheriff’s Office from Canine Companions for Independence in New Albany, Ohio, a reputable organization that specializes in providing service and facility dogs.
Canine Companions for Independence has a distinguished history, having placed over 7,400 teams since its establishment in 1975. Presently, they have more than 2,400 active teams providing valuable assistance throughout the country.
Following intensive training in Ohio, Lassen and Deputy Emily Sweeney have returned to their new environment and will spend the next few weeks acclimating to their surroundings. As a facility dog, Lassen will have several responsibilities, with a primary focus on offering a friendly presence, warm greetings, and temporary companionship to individuals navigating the criminal justice system.
The Sheriff’s Office extended their well wishes to Deputy Sweeney and Lassen, hoping for a fruitful, harmonious, and enduring partnership.
With Lassen’s arrival, the team anticipates the positive impact he will have in providing comfort and support to those involved in the criminal justice process.