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Originally published Aug. 23, 2024
ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio – A four-legged friend at the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating a special occasion Friday.
August 23 marks therapy dog Jersey’s sixth birthday, and her handler, Jen Yuhase, says the 90-pound St. Bernard makes a positive impression on the people she meets.
Yuhase trained Jersey, who started off as her pet, with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office as a therapy dog. She mainly works at the Belmont County Courthouse where she comforts both children and adults alike.
Yuhase explained that Jersey has helped children, adults facing divorce and even people being sentenced to jail to take a moment and collect their thoughts. They can pet Jersey and talk to her, and Yuhase says Jersey intuitively knows when someone needs help.
Jersey has a superpower. She has a presence that calms people down.
Jen Yuhase, Belmont County Sheriff’s Office. Jersey’s handler
Yuhase recounted a recent interaction Jersey had with an autistic boy. The boy’s mother saw Jersey and said her son did not like animals, but the boy instantly bonded with Jersey and sat beside her to pet her.
Besides being an employee of the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office and Jersey’s handler, Yuhase fosters dogs in need of homes.