Spokeswoman: Jaycee Dugard, family have close bond

[October 14, 2009]  NEW YORK (AP) -- A family spokeswoman says Jaycee Dugard, her two daughters, mother and sister are close, comfortable and happy and says they "seem like any other family."

Erika Shulte told NBC's "Today" show on Wednesday that Dugard has formed a very close bond with her sister, Shana, who was just a baby when Dugard was kidnapped.

Dugard was 11 when she disappeared. She resurfaced two months ago and is now 29.

Shulte says Dugard decided to release photos to People magazine as a way to "share her joy with the world" and show how well she's doing. She is shown smiling, with long, light brown hair.

Phillip Garrido and his wife, Nancy, have been charged with kidnapping and rape. They have pleaded not guilty.

[Associated Press]

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