Story by Rebecca West
Images courtesy of Pima County Courthouse Dog Program
You may have seen them wandering the halls with a handler as they quietly come and go from various courtrooms. Part of a growing movement over the last decade or so, they come in various shapes, sizes, breeds, and colors, but their jobs are the same across the board: alleviating stress and anxiety for both victims and witnesses as they face the strain of having to appear and participate in criminal proceedings. They are emotional support dogs, and there’s no question about their value.
Here in Southern Arizona, they are part of the Pima County Courthouse Dog Program, run by the Pima County Attorney’s Office since 2012. The first dog to fill the position was a sweet golden retriever named Russell. On the heels, or perhaps we should say “paws” of Russell’s success, came Blake, a black Labrador retriever.
In 2018, two more dogs were brought in, Labradors Baja and Jones. Jones, however, was relocated a few months later. As with the others, the two grew up in Northern New Mexico, where they were trained for service by Assistance Dogs of the West, an organization accredited by Assistance Dogs International. Both dogs are said to be able to follow more than 100 commands.
Jones’s departure eventually led to the inclusion of Arrow, a gentle chocolate Lab who joined the program in 2020. Both Russell and Blake were with the program for approximately 10 years before retiring and eventually crossing the Rainbow Bridge a few years later. The two that remain are Baja and Arrow, but all of the dogs have worked to provide comfort and emotional support to victims of crimes, particularly children.
During an early interview with KGUN9, Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall noted, “This program in Pima County has made a significant and positive impact on the experience of many crime victims.” She went on to say that the animals in the program provide invaluable support and solace to victims who have experienced horrific crimes.
The dogs, who sit quietly and unobtrusively with victims during interviews, trials, and on the witness stand, assist in all cases but work predominantly with victims from the Special Victims’ Unit caseload. They are available at Pima County Superior, Justice, and Juvenile Courts, along with the Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center.
Speaking of which, Virginia Rodriguez, Director of the Victim Services Division, shared with us that, “In 2023, our Courthouse Dog team was presented with the Heroes Without Capes award by the Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center in recognition of all their hard work with minor victims of crime.”
Canines performing this type of work are often referred to as facility dogs. They undergo extensive training that includes basic obedience and specialized commands, as well as exposure to different settings, situations, and interactions with diverse populations, just like other service or working dogs who routinely face public spaces.
Besides courthouses, facility dogs can also be seen working in hospitals and clinics, schools for students of all ages, Veterans hospitals and military installations, emergency dispatch centers, and other places where emotional drains can take their toll. It’s all about providing support and reducing stress.
Facility dogs can offer a variety of benefits beyond reducing stress and anxiety. For instance, their calm demeanor and presence can create a sense of safety and security. They can also improve social interaction by encouraging engagement and participation in therapeutic or educational settings. One example is children’s reading groups at libraries and in schools.
Enhanced motivation and engagement are another plus. Their presence can motivate adults and children to participate in activities they might otherwise shy away from for any number of reasons. Doing so can increase confidence and self-esteem, which can help individuals overcome fears and develop confidence in their abilities.
An additional benefit is the development of social and emotional skills that are often lacking in children and young adults. These are just some of the things interacting with a facility dog can promote. When it comes to our furry friends, we have a lot to be grateful for.
