A second justice facility dog, who is named Jaz, is now serving Southeast New Brunswick as a unique staff member of the Beausejour Family Crisis Resource Centre, located at the Courage Centre.

The dogs provide support and calming companionship to child and adult victims of crime as they navigate the criminal justice system.

Courage Centre CEO Kristal LeBlanc says Jaz is a 2.5-year-old black Labrador Retriever who has undergone training since his birth at an accredited facility.

The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, in Oakville, Ontario, is a national organization that is accredited by Assistance Dog International and Canadian Association of Guide & Assistance Dog Schools.

“To do justice facility work and to do direct work in the witness box, there’s a policy in New Brunswick that the dog has to be from a school accredited by Assistance Dog International and the Lions Foundation is one of those schools.”

LeBlanc will become Jaz’s handler and she notes how specific traits are sought in a canine who becomes a justice facility dog.

“You need a dog that’s highly motivated to work and also very food and treat motivated. They  kind of get their paycheque for doing the job well done. You also need a dog with a very calm temperament and they can’t be distracted.”

Marielle became the first justice facility dog in New Brunswick in 2019.

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LeBlanc says the seven year-old standard poodle will continue her work as well.

LeBlanc adds Marielle has helped more than 200 children and adult victims and has participated in more than 80 trials.

The two justice facility dogs now share a Facebook page called “La Belle Marielle and All that Jaz”.