‘He loves his job’: SPD spotlights comfort dog Ryan’s work with 100+ survivors

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) spotlighted one of its best employees Tuesday, the department’s “comfort dog” Ryan, who has been with SPD for more than three years.

His handler, Detective Shannon Waldorf, calls him “Doggy Ryan,” and he has worked in the SPD sexual assault and child abuse unit to provide 115 survivors with ease as they undergo potentially traumatic recollections when they are questioned about their abuse.

“Comfort dog Ryan has one of the most important jobs of all: He provides comfort to adult and juvenile survivors of sexual assault and child abuse during the interview process,” SPD stated. “Ryan is a friendly, social dog who loves to be with people and is devoted to his purpose of giving and receiving love and affection. He is motivated by praise and food. He loves his job and does not like to be left alone.”

Ryan is a five-year-old English Labrador Retriever who came from America’s Vet Dogs in New York, a leading service dog program that provides support for U.S. veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities.

Doggy Ryan’s work includes:

• Adult and teen interviews.
• Child forensic interviews.
• Interviews at schools.
• Defense interviews at the courthouse.
• Comforting survivors on the witness stand.
• “Meet and greets” with a prosecutor.
• Supporting survivors during sentencing hearings.

Ryan lends a paw to assault, abuse survivors

Ryan has had positive impacts on several victims throughout his time with SPD, including a recent instance of a 15-year-old girl feeling safe with Ryan by her side.

The Children’s Justice Center of King County recently highlighted Ryan’s involvement with the girl, whose mother noted his presence was instrumental in calming her nerves and anxiety during her daughter’s interview process.

“Their story underscored the profound impact that trauma-informed, collaborative approaches — sometimes supported by four paws and a wagging tail — can have on a child’s path to safety and justice,” the center stated.

Over the summer, Ryan sat with a 9-year-old child for nearly six hours during a criminal trial where the child was asked to testify against her mother and her mother’s boyfriend in a child abuse and neglect case.

Ryan has also worked with the Ronald McDonald House and Seattle Children’s Hospital to attend community events focused on helping children and families.

“Comfort dog Ryan and his person, Shannon, met each child at the Ronald McDonald House with the warmth and peace that only a highly trained and intuitive team can provide. We loved having them here!” said Marla Malone, Meal Program & Activities Manager.

SPD continued to praise Ryan’s work within the department, noting it is “continuously grateful” to have Ryan and all the work he does alongside Detective Waldorf, which helps survivors navigate an often-difficult journey through the criminal justice system.

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