10/16/2026
Caring for the Dog Who Cares for So Many ❤️
For nearly eight years, Gino has had a very important job.
As a facility dog for the Sauk County Victim Witness Unit, Gino is there for people on days that may be among the hardest of their lives.
Trained and provided by Duo Dogs in St. Louis, Missouri, Gino works with victims and witnesses of crime of all ages—from toddlers and older children to adults. His gentle, calm presence has helped countless people cope with the stress and anxiety of coming to the courthouse as a victim or witness of a crime.
He’s also happy to serve as the official welcoming committee, eagerly greeting those who ring the doorbell at the Victim Witness Unit. ❤️
But Gino also knows when someone needs a little more from him.
When someone becomes emotional or begins to cry, he will quietly make his way over to see if a gentle nudge and a pet might help. When a child needs extra comfort and support while testifying during a trial, Gino is trained to lie right there with them inside the witness box.
Even the ❤️ on his vest tells a story.
It was sent to Gino by a family member who had lost a loved one to homicide. Through court hearing after court hearing, while that person faced both the grief of losing someone they loved and the stress of seeing the offender in court, Gino became a source of comfort—and someone they could look forward to seeing each time they returned.
There have been countless extraordinary moments like these over Gino’s years of service.
He just seems to know when someone needs him. And he goes to them. ❤️
This November, Gino begins his 8th year of service, and we are incredibly proud that Hill-Dale has been able to play a small part in his very big job.
Hill-Dale Veterinary Care has had the privilege of providing Gino’s veterinary care throughout his years of service. While he spends his days looking after people in our community, we get to help look after him.
Gino takes care of people. We get the privilege of helping take care of Gino. 🐾❤️
Here’s to year 8, sweet boy—and to many more years of bringing comfort, courage, and a little bit of peace to the people who need you most. ❤️
