Aloha poses next to her new Animal Hall of Fame award. Photo courtesy of Yolo County DA

WOODLAND, CA (MPG) - Courtroom comfort dog Aloha was inducted into the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Animal Hall of Fame during an awards ceremony at the Pacific Veterinary Conference in San Francisco.

Aloha has been a member of the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office since Oct. 4, 2012.

Over the past 12 years, Aloha’s major role has been providing valuable emotional support to many crime victims, including children, who are navigating the legal system. She has sat with victims during court proceedings, providing them with a calming presence as they testify.

An added benefit of Aloha’s service has been the comfort she has provided to the office’s attorneys and staff, who often work in emotionally-charged situations.

According to the California Veterinary Medical Association, the California Animal Hall of Fame celebrates companion and working animals that “through unselfish and courageous accomplishments (exemplify) the affection, loyalty, security and value of the human-animal bond.”

Aloha was nominated by Dr. Keith Rode, a local veterinarian and former California Veterinary Medical Association president, earlier this year. 

Dr. Keith Rode, who nominated Aloha for the California Veterinary Medical Association Animal Hall of Fame pose together. Photo courtesy of Yolo County DA

Aloha’s care has been provided by Laura Valdes, Victim Services director for the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office.

“I appreciate the years of care Dr. Rode has provided to Aloha and we are honored that he saw fit to nominate her for this tremendous honor,” said Valdes, who attended the ceremony and received a plaque commemorating the award. “Aloha is heading into retirement a hall-of-famer.” 

District Attorney Jeff Reisig praised Valdes and Rode.

“Having a service dog has been a tremendous accomplishment for the District Attorney’s Office and Aloha has benefitted countless people,” Reisig said.