Treasure Coast, Fla. – Catch the Wave of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation and trafficking, has added a new four‑legged ally to its mission. Hanahalei, a rescued Labrador‑Boxer mix who will turn two this November, is a certified therapy dog ready to work with vulnerable children.
Rescue background and certification
Hanalei was rescued from Big Dog Ranch Rescue when she was just three months old. After a period of socialization and training, she earned certification through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a national organization that evaluates temperament, obedience and suitability for therapeutic settings.
How the dog will be used
Executive director Sarah Marie Henry, who also serves as Hanalei’s handler, explained that the nonprofit has seen a growing need for additional therapeutic options for children who have endured sexual exploitation. “We have just kind of heard this overwhelming need for more therapeutic options, especially for children,” Henry said.
Hanalei will be stationed at the Treasure Coast Child Advocacy Center, where children often undergo forensic interviews. She will also be present during individual therapy sessions and may appear in court proceedings when appropriate. “She is there to be a support to really help them feel safe and comforted,” Henry added.
Impact on children
Early interactions suggest the dog is already making a positive impression. Children with a range of learning disabilities have responded enthusiastically, with many noting that Hanalei seems to understand and meet them at their level. “It’s almost instilled in them that she knows and is excited to see them and really gets down on their level and is just available,” Henry observed.
Henry believes Hanalei’s own rescue story deepens her connection with the children she serves. “I think that she just has a different understanding because of where she came from and what she’s overcome to now be here,” she said.
Future plans
Catch the Wave of Hope intends to expand its canine team, with two additional therapy dogs already in the pipeline. The organization hopes that a broader animal‑assisted program will encourage communication for children who struggle to articulate traumatic experiences.
“She’ll be there to help encourage communication when kids are having a harder time articulating what maybe happened to them,” Henry explained. The overarching message, she said, is simple yet hopeful: “What’s happened has happened, but there is hope.”
How the community can help
Catch the Wave of Hope provides a list of educational resources on its website and offers avenues for individuals to seek assistance or get involved. Hanalei’s journey is also documented on an Instagram page, allowing supporters to follow her progress and share encouragement.
By integrating a certified therapy dog into its services, the nonprofit underscores the value of compassionate, faith‑aligned community responses to the most vulnerable members of society.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
