Seattle police dog Ryan is a 4 ½ year-old yellow English Labrador Retriever. Ryan is a Comfort Dog assigned to a detective in the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit. He came to Seattle in 2022 from a New York organization called America’s Vet Dogs.
Ryan’s work assignment is to give comfort to those going through the criminal justice process related to sexual assault and child abuse investigations. Ryan’s important job is to sit with an adult or child victim during their interview with law enforcement, providing comfort and support.
Ryan also attends court hearings and sentencings, allowing people to see him throughout their journey in seeking justice. He has even sat on the witness stand during a trial with a 16-year-old who testified against their parent in a domestic violence case.
For two years now, Ryan and his police handler have attended the Ronald McDonald House event on Christmas Eve for kids receiving treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
And this January was his busiest month yet! Ryan comforted victims during two adult interviews; four child interviews; he played with a 6-year-old for three hours while SPD was interviewing their parent; and supported two children at the courthouse between their testimony.
In total, Ryan has participated in more than 75 incidents supporting adults and children.
When not actively providing support to those in our community, most days Ryan can be found sleeping under his assigned detective’s desk, often snoring away. His loving presence in the office also helps the detectives who do this important work.
When he’s off-duty, Ryan relaxes at home with another dog friend and a very playful cat, and he’s such a good boy.
The City of Seattle and our police department are grateful for Comfort Dog Ryan and Detective Waldorf for all that they do!
