ATLANTA – The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles has taken an unprecedented step by introducing Asher, a Labradoodle comfort dog, as part of its Victim Services team. Paired with handler Mandy Kimner, Asher is set to bring much-needed emotional support to crime victims, attend community events, and assist during emergencies and disaster recovery efforts.
The initiative makes Georgia the first parole board in the country to implement a comfort dog program, aiming to reduce stress and foster healing in the aftermath of trauma.
A Companion for Healing
Months of training have prepared Asher and Mandy Kimner to step into their unique role. According to Kimner, Asher’s presence is already making a difference.
“Asher’s name means happy, and he lives up to it,” she said in a press release. “He’s here to uplift and positively impact those we serve.”
Obtained from Tails of Hope, an organization specializing in training rescue dogs as service and therapy animals, Asher has been integrated into the Georgia Office of Victim Services’ Critical Incident Stress Management program. This program is designed to help victims of crime navigate the emotional challenges tied to traumatic experiences.
Expanding Victim Services
The initiative is about more than just comfort; it’s about creating a supportive environment for those facing unimaginable stress. Georgia Parole Board Chairman David Herring emphasized the value Asher brings to their mission.
“Asher and Mandy will provide solace to victims during their meetings with board members or victim services staff, and at various victim-related events,” Herring said.
The program also extends its reach to state employees dealing with workplace stress. Staff from the Department of Corrections, Department of Community Supervision, and the Parole Board can all benefit from Asher’s calming presence.
Community Engagement and Support
Asher’s role isn’t confined to office spaces or private meetings. Alongside Kimner, he’ll attend public events and school programs to extend his comforting impact to a broader audience.
Chris Barnett, Executive Director of Parole, explained, “Asher and Mandy will be wherever they’re needed—providing support to those impacted by violent crime and trauma, or simply fostering a sense of community.”
This innovative program has garnered widespread support, with key figures from the Georgia Department of Corrections (DOC) and Department of Community Supervision (DCS) praising its potential.
- DOC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver: “Employee wellness is central to our mission. This program supports both victims and our staff while fostering well-being across the board.”
- DCS Commissioner Michael Nail: “The Canine Comfort Program reflects our commitment to innovative approaches. These specially trained friends help build stronger connections within our communities.”
Inspired by a Success Story
The idea for the program was sparked in 2022 when Georgia parole staff met Flossy, a therapy dog from the South Carolina Department of Corrections, at a national conference. Flossy and her handler, Karin Ho, later visited Georgia, inspiring the team to adopt a similar initiative.
This new program, now a reality, demonstrates the value of shared experiences and collaboration in addressing trauma and supporting healing.
Asher and Mandy Kimner’s work represents a growing recognition of the importance of emotional support in both individual and community recovery. With Asher’s arrival, the Georgia Parole Board is redefining how agencies can assist victims and employees alike, making compassion an integral part of its mission.
