ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - One of the state’s newest employees is a Labradoodle named Asher. He’s a member of the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles and is focused on assisting victims of crimes.

As a victim of domestic violence, Tina Davis had the opportunity to meet with the comfort canine on Monday.

“Oh my gosh. Precious. I could just take him home,” Davis said.

The Georgia Office of Victim Services at the State Parole Board offers post-sentencing support to crime victims and their families and now, they’ve brought a specially trained comfort K-9 on board to enhance their support efforts.

“If you have ever been around any dog, particularly a comfort dog, it’s their job to be there and have somebody to love on. We found or some of the research found that when people go through traumatic events having a comfort K-9 or comfort animal can be really good and help relieve that stress,” Director of Georgia Office of Victim Services Keir Chapple said.

Asher and his handler Mandy Kimner have been training for months and are ready at a moment’s notice to assist crime victims, attend community events and respond to emergencies across Georgia.

“He just naturally wants to feel the love and connect with people and loves people. He’s just a lot of fun and he’s eager to work,” Kimner said.

State employees, specifically those who work for the board who are dealing with stress, will also have access to Asher.

“You think about the officers that respond to events, think about the staff that have to look at crime scene photos and think about the horrible things that people are doing in the state, it’s traumatizing,” Chapple said.

Said Davis: “It just makes you feel safe, and it just gives you comfort, that unconditional love.”