Cherry, the adorable facility dog, and Laurence, her handler.
In the hallways of Montreal youth centres, an adorable furry companion catches every eye. Cherry is no ordinary pet, however. She’s a Mira facility dog, expertly trained to offer support, serve as a silent confidante, and bring endless comfort to youth in the care of the DYP. She and her handler, youth worker Laurence Brault-Villeneuve, make a remarkable team that transforms the way young people experience the care system, bringing light into so many lives shaped by adversity.
Before she could brighten the lives of youth in care, Cherry went through the rigorous training program developed by Mira Foundation. Her journey began with a year in a foster home, where she learned how to socialize and navigate a myriad of everyday situations. That was followed by an in-depth assessment and three months of intensive training focused on teaching her the skills she would need in her future role.
At the same time, as Cherry grew and developed her strengths, Laurence wondered about the next step in her professional career. She had worked in youth centres for nine years, supporting youth in crisis, and now she was at a crossroads, thinking about the next challenge she would like to take on. “I saw the posting for the position of facility dog handler with the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, and I thought, this is meant for me. It had my name written all over it.”
Everything just fell into place after that. Cherry and her new handler were matched four years ago, with the Fondation des jeunes de la DPJ covering the cost of acquiring the facility dog through its Innovative Interventions for Troubled Youths program. And the two have been inseparable ever since, both on and off the job.
“It’s a full-time commitment. Cherry goes wherever I go—to restaurants, on grocery runs, to appointments, and even on vacations. She’s my shadow,” says Laurence.
“Each day is a new adventure.” That’s how Laurence describes life with Cherry. Their schedule changes constantly, but the dog’s well-being always comes first. On a typical day, they make two or three visits, which means a lot of getting around, but also lots of cuddles.
To ensure Cherry doesn’t get pushed beyond her limits, each morning begins with a meaningful ritual: Laurence holds out the harness, and it’s up to Cherry to decide if she’s ready to work. If she slips her head through, it’s a clear yes. “It’s a bit like signing a contract with her. I must take only what she can give,” says Laurence. And because Cherry truly loves what she does, she’s always eager to start her day.
Most of us know what a service dog does for someone who is visually impaired or has a disability—but what does a facility dog do for youth in care?
“The youth in the care of the DYP each have a story, a set of experiences, challenges they are facing, and different needs to be met. That’s why Cherry’s role changes depending on the situation. She might offer comfort during a tough time, help build social connections, make it easier for youth to agree to a follow-up, encourage a child or a teen to open up, spark empathy, or help calm youth with behavioural issues. Her work is very broad in scope.”
What Cherry does varies according to what the youth need, whether it’s quiet breaks where she just lets herself be petted, energetic play sessions, or long walks outdoors with youth who rarely get out. For youth who grew up in environments devoid of love and care, simply learning to pet Cherry gently becomes an emotional learning exercise in itself.
Each interaction with the dog helps youth find simplicity and a sense of normalcy. With her comforting presence, Cherry brings a touch of humanity and kindness into the child and youth welfare system.
Cherry and Laurence’s work includes both one-off visits with youth and ongoing support.
“Children and teenagers who have experienced trauma and emotional wounds may find it particularly hard to deal with certain situations and may feel deep anxiety when faced with them. That’s when we’re called in to provide ad hoc support, whether it’s for a medical or dentist appointment, a visit with family, a testimony in a police investigation, or a day in court. Whatever the situation, Cherry brings calm and peace. She’s the reliable companion who helps them through it all.”
Other youth, who may find even basic social interactions intimidating, benefit from more regular follow-up support. Cherry helps them find a safe space by just being there for them, not judging or posing any threat. The fact that Laurence stays neutral, not interfering in other areas of their lives, helps as well.
“We often work with youth who have been abandoned or hurt by the very adults they trusted. We never come in expecting them to open up. That’s not the goal. We don’t press, we don’t dig—we just help them find calm and connect with others. And sometimes, they just open up to us. But in a world where they are constantly expected to do the hard work of healing, simply giving them a breather is the best thing we can do for them.”
Often, the dog is brought in as a last resort, when every other approach has failed, with youth refusing any form of support—except for Cherry.
Cherry is like a master key. She manages to unlock doors that are tightly sealed and find the tiny crack through which help can finally get in. When it works, I know we’ve just saved something.
Countless stories shared with Laurence highlight just how powerful Cherry’s presence can be in helping youth in care move forward. “Colleagues have told me that, after spending time with Cherry, one youth opened up and started talking more. Another completely shifted their attitude and began engaging with the group.”
For some youth, the bond they form with Cherry is the only positive connection they’ve ever experienced. It’s a powerful example of just how much of a difference the dog’s presence makes in the lives of the vulnerable young people she supports.
If you ever run into Cherry, don’t be offended if you’re told not to pet her. As disappointing as that may be, only children and teenagers get that privilege. Why?
“Even though I’m the one who cares for her day-to-day, Cherry belongs to the youth in the care of the DYP. Period. The goal is for her to understand that, if she wants cuddles and attention, she must go to them. We often deal with young people who have never felt seen or appreciated in their lives and who don’t believe they deserve to be loved. Their reaction when they see the dog run up to them and get all excited is pure gold!”
By helping the youth stay grounded in the present moment and fully accepting them just as they are, here and now, Cherry not only brings out laughter and smiles wherever she goes, but also takes a lot of weight off countless young shoulders.
She’s taught me a few things about working with youth—like showing patience, being open to others, and letting go of judgment. I really think she brings out the best in youth. And I think she brings out the best in me, too!
Oven Baked Tradition, the Fondation’s partner, plays a vital role in making sure Cherry is at the top of her game so she can do her job. The food—and the occasional treat—that the company has generously been providing for Cherry is key to keeping the project going.
On behalf of all the young people who laugh, play, and thrive thanks to their furry best friend, thank you!
