Oxnard Police Dog Makes A Special House Call

Oxnard police received a special request to bring “Jema”, its K9 in training, to visit a local teenager with a very severe form of Muscular Dystrophy.

Courtney, a 19-year old diagnosed with Spinal muscular atrophy, is bedridden and unable to move any muscles which would enable mobility. She only communicates using eye movements and the use of eye gaze technology.

Priscilla, Courtney’s special education teacher made a very unique request. She asked Oxnard police to bring a K9 to Courtney who loves dogs and police officers. Priscilla had been teaching Courtney about Canine Companions for Independence, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs and was in the process of teaching Courtney about police dogs.

Oxnard PD K9 Coordinator Senior Officer Danny Casson not only said “yes”, but he took the entire K9 team to see Courtney. The group included two other K9’s “Koa” and “Leo” and their handlers Officer Rob Caston and Officer Moses Martinez.

But the real connection was made between “Jema” and Courtney. The two were drawn to each other with a shower of doggie kisses. Jema then made herself comfortable on Courtney’s bed.

The K9 team also gave Courtney a shirt, a challenge coin and a patch.

Oxnard police posted the story on its facebook page.