Therapy Dogs Bring Balm to Stressed Jurors, Witnesses in Court

US District Court Judge Virginia Kendall introduced federal prosecutors and assorted Big Law attorneys to a very special courtroom assistant following a recent hearing.

From her side of the bench, Kendall looked toward the floor, then back at the lawyers. “Come say hello to the prosecutors!” Kendall called to Junebug, a seven-year-old, large and fluffy Bernese mountain breed.

Junebug and Birdie, a four-year old Bernese mountain dog, are two of the thousands of trained therapy dogs found in courthouses across the country that provide comfort and companionship to visitors, including victims in criminal trials. Unlike courthouse facility dogs, Junebug ...