Orange County Probation Department Adds Three Comfort Dogs to Support Trauma Victims and Staff Through New WAGS Program
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – A new emotional support team is bringing comfort to trauma victims, staff, and youth across Orange County, with three specially trained dogs now serving as the newest members of the Orange County Probation Department family.
Lizzie, Charlie Brown, and Sunny are the founding members of the department’s new WAGS program, which stands for Wellness, Assistance, Growth and Support. The dogs were brought on board to provide comfort, connection, and support during difficult situations, each paired with handlers trained to work alongside them in the field.
Three Dogs, Three Distinct Roles
Lizzie, a standard poodle known for her calm presence and gentle personality, has been paired with primary handler Mona Negron and secondary handler David Alonso. Charlie Brown, a chocolate lab described as always ready to offer a comforting paw or sit quietly beside someone having a difficult day, works alongside handler David Martinez. Sunny, a yellow lab with a calm and friendly demeanor, is paired with handler Raul Castro.
Officials were clear that the WAGS team does not perform enforcement, detection, search, or investigative work. Instead, the dogs are meant to serve purely as a support resource, showing up during critical incidents, victim-centered interactions, youth engagement activities, staff wellness responses, court support, and approved community outreach events.
Department Says Program Fills a Real Need
Chief Probation Officer Daniel Hernandez said the department’s employees regularly work with individuals experiencing trauma, crisis, and loss, and that the WAGS program gives staff another tool to support not just the community but each other during especially difficult moments.
The program was made possible through a U.S. Department of Justice Assistance Grant, which covered the cost of acquiring the dogs along with their specialized training, equipment, and overall program implementation.
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