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ST. CLOUD — A 45-pound golden retriever with a love for snuggles, belly rubs and pancakes is one of the latest additions at the Stearns County Attorney's Office.
Nova, a 4-year-old trained facility dog, provides comfort to people during stressful criminal justice-related interactions.
During the day, Nova comes to work with her handler Keli Trautman, a paralegal and victim witness coordinator. Nova and Trautman meet with victims and witnesses of domestic violence, sexual abuse, trafficking and homicide cases.
"She is crazy-awesome at her job," Trautman said. Trautman and Nova have worked together for more than a year preparing to become certified for public interactions. Trautman said Nova passed her public access trial last month.