Sarah Palin Facebook Photos Of Son Stepping On Dog Trigger Online Outrage

Reuters
Facebook photos posted by Sarah Palin showing her son Trig using the family dog as a step stool unleashed online fury on Friday reminiscent of the public reaction to the disclosure that Mitt Romney had once driven with his dog strapped on the car's roof.

Trig, 6, who has Down Syndrome, is shown stepping on the back of the family's black Labrador while it lies on the kitchen floor in order to reach the sink. The dog appears unruffled.

The Facebook post by Palin, who was the Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008, drew more than 12,000 comments by midday Friday, ranging from cries of animal abuse to those seconding Palin's praise for the youngest of her five children.

"May 2015 see every stumbling block turned into a stepping stone on the path forward," Palin wrote on her Facebook page.

"Trig just reminded me. He, determined to help wash dishes with an oblivious mama not acknowledging his signs for 'up!', found me and a lazy dog blocking his way. He made his stepping stone," Palin wrote.

Calgary dog comforts witnesses during court session

Michelle Zilio, CTVNews

As two child witnesses re-live some of their most horrific memories in a Calgary courtroom this week, they will be comforted by a special four-legged support worker.

Hawk, one of the first-ever therapy dogs to sit inside a Canadian courtroom, was there to comfort as a seven-year-old girl took the stand Tuesday, instinctively knowing when a head on the lap or a snuggle was needed.

The girl is testifying against her father who has been accused of sexually abusing her. Her nine-year-old brother will also eventually testify, with the black Labrador retriever by his side as well.