By Breanna Lea/WMBD

BLOOMINGTON – For those seeking help from Stepping Stones counselors at the Bloomington YWCA, something as little as a snuggle from a dog could be all the comfort they need.

In September, Sammy Pocket and Kate Myers joined the team helping those who became victim to sexual assault.

Sammy can provide help in many different ways, but he mainly cuddles the clients to help calm them down.

YWCA Stepping Stones Counselor Kate Myers said,

“He would be able to like come up onto the couch with them, and just lay with them. Because he can tell I’m nervous right now, and so he’s able to just kinda give me some comfort,” Myers explained.

Myers said clients being able to see Sammy’s trust in her, helps them do the same during sessions.

“With my younger clients, we do a lot of practice with giving Sam different cues, for him to do different tricks for them. And that can help build their self-esteem and build their empathy toward animals and just people in general.”

Breanna Lea can be reached at [email protected].