safety
Dog who survived abuse now a service animal at El Paso DA’s office
By Lauren Bly at KVIA ABC-7
· July 16, 2026
· 1 min read
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- A dog named Buddy has an important job at the district attorney’s office.
The small therapy dog works as a victim assistance companion alongside his handler, Lorena Garcia, helping crime victims through some of the hardest moments of their lives.
“A lot of times vic...
Key takeaway The small therapy dog works as a victim assistance companion alongside his handler, Lorena Garcia, helping crime victims through some of the hardest moments of their lives.
Why this matters in The El Paso
Buddy's role as a victim assistance companion at the district attorney's office marks a significant addition to the support services available to crime victims in El Paso . As a community that has faced its share of challenges related to public safety, the presence of a trained therapy dog like Buddy can help alleviate some of the trauma and stress that victims experience during the legal process. His handler, Lorena Garcia, plays a crucial part in this effort, working closely with Buddy to provide comfort and reassurance to those navigating the often-daunting justice system. The fact that Buddy himself is a survivor of abuse makes his story particularly poignant, and his new role serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of animals in similar situations. Buddy's work will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of El Pasoans affected by crime, and his presence is a valuable asset to the district attorney's office.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The El Paso stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- A dog named Buddy has an important job at the district attorney’s office.
The small therapy dog works as a victim assistance companion alongside his handler, Lorena Garcia, helping crime victims through some of the hardest moments of their lives.
“A lot of times vic...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lauren Bly at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter