At the Adams and Brown County Homeless Shelter, comfort often comes in small daily moments. For many who arrive in crisis, those first minutes inside the door can be overwhelming as they transition from instability to a place that is safe but unfamiliar. Now, a new presence is helping ease that transition. Her name is Bella, a golden doodle who has quickly become a calming, joyful part of daily life at the shelter.

Bella arrived after months of planning, training, and preparation. Shelter Director Stephanie Mashburn said the idea was inspired in part by Latte, the courthouse facility dog who has become well known among county agencies. Staff at the shelter had noticed the positive role Latte played for people passing through the courthouse as well as for employees who regularly work in st

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