Facility Dog of the 22nd Circuit

Honey, a Golden Retriever, will assist in alleviating stress and promoting a calming environment within the court. Undergoing training as a certified service animal with M.A.S.T., Honey will be available throughout various offices, hallways, and courtrooms of the Judicial Center to provide emotional support to members of the public, employees at the judicial center and attorneys.

This initiative reflects the growing trend of integrating facility dogs into court systems nationwide. Recognizing the often-stressful nature of court proceedings, the 22nd Judicial Circuit believes that having a facility dog present is a worthwhile endeavor to foster a more supportive and comforting atmosphere. Courts and judicial centers are often emotionally intense environments where individuals experience high levels of stress and anxiety.

The research suggests that animals have therapeutic benefits for a variety of physical and psychological challenges and have positive effects on a wide range of psychological outcomes, including reductions in anger, anxiety, depression, and general distress. They also reduce heart rate and blood pressure.

The presence of a facility dog in courtrooms has also been shown to help witnesses, particularly children and victims of trauma, feel more at ease during difficult testimonies. By providing comfort and a sense of calm, facility dogs help mitigate the emotional toll that court proceedings can have on vulnerable individuals. Additionally, their presence can lead to more clear, coherent testimonies by reducing anxiety- induced barriers to communication.