Bob Berlin, Duo Dog Crew, and Assistant State's Attorneys Attend Furever Friends Gala

OAK BROOK - On Friday, May 15, 2026, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert “Bob” Berlin, Duo Dog Crew, and members of the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, including members assigned to Crew and the Animal Protection Unit, attended the DuPage Furever Friends Gala at the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook. The gala was held in support of DuPage County Animal Services. Through financial support and advocacy, the organization ensures animals receive the care they need while working towards a future where every pet has a home.

The gala featured over 420 attendees, including DuPage County Board Chairwoman Deb Conroy and a bipartisan contingent of DuPage County Board Members. County Board Member Brian Krajewski was one of the speakers at the gala and specifically applauded the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office Animal Protection Unit.

The Animal Protection Unit was created in June 2025 by Berlin. Comprised of a team of specially trained prosecutors, the unit is focused on enhancing prosecutions of crimes committed against animals. The unit has partnered with law enforcement agencies and DuPage County Animal Services — as well as the community — to provide a comprehensive, focused approach to prosecuting local animal cruelty cases. Further, the unit also provides additional legal protections for those at risk of domestic violence, which can be linked to animal abuse, a news release on the new team said.

Several years ago, the Urban Resource Institute and the National Domestic Violence Hotline conducted a survey of nearly 2,500 people focused on how domestic violence affects survivors with pets and their families. Among respondents, 37% said their abuser had threatened to harm or kill a pet and 29% said the abuser had actually harmed or killed pets, per a 2021 report of survey results.

Additionally, Crew came to the State’s Attorney’s Office in September 2024 courtesy of Duo Dogs, Inc., a national nonprofit organization based in St. Louis that trains and connects dogs with people to cultivate positive change in individuals, families and communities. Specifically, Crew is a facility dog specially trained and placed according to his natural abilities, interests and temperament, to work with trained handlers within the Office for the benefit of vulnerable populations served by the State’s Attorney’s Office.    

Berlin and the entire State’s Attorney’s office are extremely grateful to the DuPage County Board for their support of Crew and the Animal Protection Unit.

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