About Us

“ Justice Under Paw! ”

Colorado Constitutional Victims Rights Act (C.R.S. Section 24-4.1-302.5)  

All volunteers who provide services directly to victims and witnesses are required by policies and procedures, established for each facility, to be trained and qualified as a victim advocate. CARES teams will provide services for victims, the immediate families of victims, and witnesses, which includes crisis intervention services and victim assistance resources in compliance with the Colorado Victim Rights Act.

The CARES organization has been providing services on a strictly volunteer basis, without external funding, since November 2007; CARES was incorporated on July 1, 2009 and has filed with the IRS for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Growth of the CARES organization, as direct service providers, will be volunteers who are trained and qualified as a victim advocate and are trained, qualified and registered, with their canine, as a therapy dog team.

The primary focus of CARES is to provide comfort and support to victims, witnesses and family members as they go through the law enforcement and criminal justice system; the population that can be aided with the greatest impact are young children and juveniles that have experienced trauma. By involving a CARES team, the journey through the entire process can also potentially progress faster, have better results for testimony and allow for handling of more cases with the same level of resources. Because the usage of Animal-Assisted Therapy in the law enforcement and criminal justice system is an emerging field there is very little supporting documentation available; this is cutting edge work and it is considered to be pioneering work within the law enforcement and criminal justice systems.

Animal-Assisted Therapy benefits promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive functioning. Therapeutic benefits include motivational, educational, empathetic support, improved focus, build rapport and provide emotional safety, nurturing and uncomplicated acceptance, mental stimulation, entertainment, psychological benefits (relaxation and even lower blood pressure), non-threatening physical contact/touch, and for some people even something more as in a divine connectedness. These benefits enhance the lives of the victim, witnesses and their families.

K9 c.a.r.e.s. is developing levels membership for volunteers in addition to crisis intervention work. K9 c.a.r.e.s. now offers more opportunities such as hospitals, shelters and literacy volunteer work.

K9 c.a.r.e.s. is a R.E.A.D.® affiliated group providing teams with the knowledge and experience to work with children. With our expansion to these venues K9 c.a.r.e.s. touches our communities with even more wagging tails and smiles.

Testimonials:

Following are some of the unsolicited responses provided by victims receiving service from CARES and first hand observations by client agency personnel.

Following a visit to a local Child Advocacy Center to aid in a child post-forensic interview the therapist and detective were astonished at what a difference Caitee made for the child. "The child became calm and interactive, making it a wonderful way to end a difficult experience.” (Victim Advocate)

During a series of visits to a local Women’s Safe House, one young boy knew exactly how many more days it would be until we would visit again. When we would walk in the front door, this little boy would come running down the hallway shouting, “Dr. Dog is here! Dr. Dog is here!” Caitee, the dog, always made him feel better. (Carolyn)

"Thank You to Carolyn and Caitee who spent all day at the DA’s Office providing crisis intervention for the staff. To say that Caitee was a huge success would be an understatement! I felt a little left out since no one really interested in me, but they sure did want to spend time with Caitee! It was amazing to watch the change in folks after being with Caitee, it was truly remarkable!” (WPD Victim Services Manager)

"As Volunteer Liaison for Women in Crisis Safe House, I have been working closely with Carolyn and Caitee and have witnessed their positive influence on the clients and their children since November 2007. Once incident that stands out was when a couple of boys came into shelter that were out of control; the staff had a hard time connecting with them, despite all of our efforts. It was a pleasure and a relief to see them with Caitee, who was able to get them settled in one place, talking and playing nicely together. In another instance I have seen a woman connect with Caitee and Carolyn so much so that she did not want to leave the shelter to move on to her own place because she wouldn’t be able to see Caitee and Carolyn anymore.” (Women’s Case Manager, WIC)

“Caitee and Carolyn have a more powerful impact than other traditional treatments.” (DA’s Office Administrator)

“We are very excited for the K9 C.A.R.E.S. Victim Support Pilot Project. After seeing children who are already traumatized and victimized, it is great to have a court process be a positive experience. The Advocate Support Dog makes that possible!” ( Don Quick, Adams County District Attorney)

“When I wanted to start a therapy dog visitation program at the UCH Chronic Dialysis Unit, I found such a wonderful partner in Carolyn Corbett. Carolyn clearly knew what was needed for a safe and successful program, and applied her expertise every step of the way. Caitee (therapy dog) is a master of calm, loving energy. She amazes us all. It is impossible not to smile in her presence. Carolyn truly cared about finding the right team for our clinic. Patients and staff have enjoyed regular visits from our new friends with a remarkable talent for making people forget where they are.” (University of Colorado Hospital Dialysis Social Worker)

Upcoming Programs:

For upcoming K9 c.a.r.e.s. training and workshops please go to the Presentations & Events page.