March 29, 2021
CLEARFIELD, PA—Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan Sayers and Child Advocacy Center of Clearfield County (CAC-CC) Director Mary Tatum are pleased to announce the CAC-CC’s newest team member, Kirby.
Kirby was born in Lancaster and was one of three puppies from his litter to be selected for the United Disabilities Services Foundation (UDS) service dog program.
UDS service dogs are trained from pups for over two years by a team of dedicated volunteers and professionals. Then, they are partnered with people who have a mobility disability or autism to help them live fuller lives.
Not all dogs that come through UDS become service dogs. In Kirby’s case, he was placed at the CAC-CC as a facility dog. Kirby is allowed to go where other dogs are allowed to go, and he is also allowed to go where he works. Kirby can work at the CAC-CC, the Clearfield County Courthouse, and Clearfield’s Children, Youth & Family Services office.
Sayers reported that Kirby came to the CAC-CC through a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. When the CAC-CC began the grant writing process, Tatum contacted UDS in Lancaster, Pa., to begin the facility dog application process.
Tatum and the CAC-CC’s Case Manager Sierra Clark started dog handler training in October of 2020 and immediately brought Kirby back to Clearfield County. Kirby has been helping the children that come to the CAC since that day.