Santa Ana, CA – June 18th, 2026 – The Orange County Probation Department (OC Probation) is proud to announce the launch of its Critical Incident & Trauma Response Support K9 Program, WAGS (Wellness, Assistance, Growth, and Support).  

This program is designed to provide trauma informed support to staff, youth, victims, and community members during critical incidents and other challenging situations. 

The Department's inaugural WAGS Teams include Support K9s Lizzie, Charlie Brown, and Sunny, each specially trained to recognize signs of stress and provide comfort, engagement, and emotional support. 

·         Lizzie, a standard poodle, is paired with Primary Handler Mona Negron and Secondary Handler David Alonso. 

·         Charlie Brown, a chocolate lab, is paired with Handler David Martinez. 

·         Sunny, a yellow lab, is paired with Handler Raul Castro. 

The WAGS Teams do not perform enforcement, detection, search, or investigative functions. Instead, they serve as a support resource that may be utilized during critical incidents, victim-centered interactions, youth engagement activities, staff wellness responses, court support, and approved community outreach events.

The program is administered through the Department's Victim Services and Community Engagement Office and works collaboratively with Peer Support and other Department programs to provide trauma-informed support and engagement opportunities. Funding for the program was provided through a U.S. Department of Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), which supported canine acquisition, specialized training, equipment, and program implementation. The WAGS Program reflects OC Probation's commitment to wellness, resilience, victim services, community engagement, and evidence-based practices.

“Our employees regularly work with individuals experiencing trauma, crisis, and loss. The WAGS Program provides another way for us to support our staff, youth, victims, and community members when they need it most,” said Chief Probation Officer Daniel Hernandez.

The Department is also pleased to announce that Division Director Connie Schonert and Deputy Probation Officer Mayra Lopez have been selected as future Support K9 Handlers. Two additional Support K9s (Ripley and Bodie) are expected to join the program expanding our supportive services throughout Orange County.