51福利社

Sporting a calm demeanor, a canine vest and an 51福利社 leash, Hilani, a two-year-old golden retriever and Labrador mix, joined the 51福利社 Police Department last month to help comfort victims in need, specifically those who have been victims of sexual assault.

鈥淎bout three years ago, I started a sexual assault prevention program where I go into dorms, fraternities and sororities, and I talk about consent. Typically, after the class, I get disclosures,鈥� Officer Tiffinni Archie said. 鈥淗aving a dog will help us when we have victims too nervous or uncomfortable to disclose and need that extra help, so that鈥檚 what Hilani is here for.鈥�

Archie was matched with Hilani through Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit organization that provides highly trained service dogs. Then, Hilani and Archie completed a two-week training course in Santa Rosa, California, where Archie learned commands and the trainers ensured that the match was the right fit.

鈥淭hey said we were the fastest bond they鈥檝e ever had,鈥� Archie said. 鈥淗ilani and I were linked at the hip the second day I had her.鈥�

Since training in mid-August, Archie and Hilani have been with each other 24/7 鈥� Hilani lives with Archie, along with Archie鈥檚 three other dogs and two ferrets.

鈥淪he鈥檚 a dog鈥檚 dog. She loves dogs, any kind,鈥� Archie said. 鈥淭he ferrets are her little best friends, too. She鈥檚 very animal-oriented.鈥�

While at work, Hilani is relaxed and even a little sleepy, but once her vest is off, Archie said Hilani鈥檚 personality is the complete opposite 鈥� she鈥檚 hyper.

鈥淪he likes to play, she likes to run, play hide-and-seek, fetch,鈥� Archie said. 鈥淪he鈥檚 a typical dog, but at work she鈥檚 really chill.鈥�

With few facility dogs on university campuses, Hilani will serve as a bridge between campus and police. If you see Hilani on campus, please remember to ask before petting her.