Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center has a new staff member, and he has four legs.

The organization added Zurg, a two-year-old golden retriever and lab mix, as its first facility dog.

Zurg has been training since he was a puppy. His handler is Stephanie Harris, who went through the later portion of the training with Zurg, as the two learned 40 commands.

Harris worked with other soon-to-be service dogs before being matched up with Zurg during two weeks of training in Orlando, Florida.

The range of commands is far more in-depth than teaching a dog to sit and stay. Zurg can perform complex tasks, such as flipping light switches.

Canine Companions for Independence is a fellow non-profit organization that trained and provided Zurg to Butterfly Bridge.

Being a handler is an experience that Harris has enjoyed, and looks forward to the future.

“It’s almost like having a new baby,” Harris said. “You have to change your routine and make sure that he [Zurg] is ready for work as well.”

Some of Zurg’s responsibilities will be greeting clients in the waiting room and providing a calming presence for children during forensic interviews and therapy sessions.

“Zurg will offer healing and comfort that only a dog can offer,” Harris said. “He has specific commands that allow him to interact with our clients in a calm and appropriate manner. Most importantly, Zurg provides unconditional love and gives attention to children at a time when they need it the most.”

Butterfly Bridge’s mission is to offer a safe and child-friendly environment to children victimized by abuse or neglect.

Zurg’s name is in reference to the character in the “Toy Story” franchise.

According to Harris, Zurg’s personality is extremely laid back and playful.

“He seems to enjoy his job,” Harris said.