Victim's best friend could be a dog

Saturday, August 20, 2005

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Squiggly helps children who are afraid to testify about abuse.

A desire to help victims of sexual assault led Andrea Lockhart to create a one-of-a-kind advocacy program, called FLA Four Legged Advocates, a victims' advocacy group that works with labrador retrievers to help victims through the difficult judical process.

The group, the only known program of its kind in the U.S., has been growing in strength and now has the support of Gov. Jeb Bush.

Lockhart has a master's degree in criminal justice and works as a victim's advocate in Polk County.

She found her dog, Squiggly, could help her help young clients in court. Squiggly's friendly nature gives children the courage to talk about their harrowing ordeal. The program is free for those in need.

"If the child is comfortable enough and is able to tell the story about the bad things that have happened to them, then it makes it easier for everybody," Lockhart said. "It makes it easier for law enforcement to file charges, and easier for a state attorney to prosecute."

Andrea Lockhart is currently working for FLA Four Legged Advocates without a salary.

Lockhart decided to make Squiggly her partner in justice, and several months ago her mother Kim and her dog Abbey joined together to create FLA Four Legged Advocates, a non-profit organization.

They have received the support of the state attorney's office, the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Gov. Jeb Bush.

"[Bush] actually called on a Saturday afternoon, which surprised me," Lockhart said. "I was not expecting that."

Bush told Lockhart he'd like to try to help her organization in any way he can. He also sent a letter in support.

"He said he was going to make some phone calls to see what he could do to help us with funding, to help us bring a little bit more awareness to our program and help us get started more on the state level," Lockhart said.

Lockhart is currently working on several cases, one of which will go to court on Friday.

She's also a volunteer advocate with the sheriff's office and any other law enforcement agency that's in need of a help hand --or a helping paw.

The Lockharts have had a hard time getting funding. She's currently working without a salary.

Anyone needing help from FLA Four Legged Advocates or who would like to donate to the program can call 863-299-9115.