September is Service Dog Awareness Month, and a local organization in Warren is celebrating three years with a special companion.

The Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center is marking the occasion by recognizing the contributions of Tiger, a service dog who provides critical support to victims of child abuse and neglect.

The center, an Affiliate Member of the National Children’s Alliance and Children’s Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania, serves Warren County by offering essential services to victims of child abuse and neglect.

“Having Tiger has been a great resource for us here at the Children’s Advocacy Center,” said Melissa McLean, Executive Director. “We’ve been celebrating three years, and in that time, he’s sat with over 160 kids who have come in to talk to us about their experiences with abuse and neglect.”

Tiger isn’t alone in his important work. Alongside him is Olive, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office’s service dog. Both Tiger and Olive have become familiar faces in the community, providing emotional support within the school district, at community events, and in the courtroom.

“The Warren County Courthouse has been very receptive with therapy dogs, and we are able to take Tiger over to the courthouse if children have to testify,” McLean added. "The courtroom can be frightening even for adults, so for children it's really helpful to have a familiar and fuzzy face there for them."

“Olive and I attend juvenile court proceedings, custody cases, protection from abuse cases. We also do a lot of work in the school district. For me personally, being able to offer this asset to the community is great because it brings law enforcement and the community closer.”

As Service Dog Awareness Month continues through September, both Olive and Tiger will be out in the community, providing comfort to those in need and making their presence known at local events.

These incredible dogs are invaluable resources, offering support and care to children and families in the region.

For more information about Tiger and the Warren County Children's Advocacy Center, visit here.

For more information about Olive and the outreach program with the Warren County Sheriff's Office, visit here.