In 2011, the Yuba County Probation Department's, Victim Services program launched Yuba County's first comfort dog program. Victim Advocate Terri Ayers bought an Australian Sheppard and Queensland mix dog, to become Tuscany Blue (Tusca for short) who is brown with white markings. Fun fact about Tusca, she has one blue eye and one white eye. Tusca loves to lay on her back and receive love from children and adults alike. She is available to sit with victims and witness while being interviewed by law enforcement, testifying in court, during forensic interviews and she also responds to community crisis situations.

All three dogs are available to all victims and witnesses of crime in Yuba.  Please let your advocate know if you want one to support you through this process.







In 2018, the unit added Etha, a miniature Australian Sheppard who is black with white markings. Etha currently is still training and has attended court. Her favorite part of the job so far seems to be all the attention she gets when responding to community crisis/disaster situations.


The need has arisen and we have added another comfort dog, Ruger he is a pure breed black Labrador Retriever.  He was born November 15, 2020 and began his training in April of this year.  He's the youngest of the group but is learning the ropes and catching on very fast.  He loves to fetch, loves his treats and enjoys seeing all the kids.