Catch the Wave of Hope, a Treasure Coast nonprofit dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation and trafficking, has added a new four‑legged partner to its support network. Hanalei, a rescued Labrador‑Boxer mix, was certified this month as a therapy dog and will begin working with child victims at the Treasure Coast Child Advocacy Center.
From rescue to therapy
Hanalei was saved from Big Dog Ranch Rescue when she was just three months old. She will turn two in November. Executive director Sarah Marie Henry, who also serves as Hanalei’s owner and handler, says the dog’s own story of survival gives her a unique connection to the children she will serve.
“I think that she just has a different understanding because of where she came from and what she’s overcome to now be here,” Henry explained.
Supporting vulnerable children
Hanalei will be present during forensic interviews, therapy sessions, and may even accompany children in court proceedings. Her role is to provide a calming presence that helps children feel safe and encourages them to communicate difficult experiences.
“She is there to be a support to really help them feel safe and comforted,” Henry said. “She’ll be there to help encourage communication when kids are having a harder time articulating what maybe happened to them.”
Positive early response
Children who have interacted with Hanalei have responded positively, including those with learning disabilities. Henry noted that the dog seems to instinctively know how to engage with each child, getting down to their level and offering unconditional companionship.
“It’s almost as if she knows and is excited to see them and really gets down on their level and is just available,” Henry said.
Future plans
Catch the Wave of Hope plans to expand its canine team, with a second therapy dog already in the pipeline and a third under consideration. The organization also provides educational resources on its website and maintains an Instagram page to share Hanalei’s journey.
“What’s happened has happened, but there is hope,” Henry affirmed, underscoring the nonprofit’s mission to bring comfort and healing to the most vulnerable members of the community.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
