Court can be ruff, but courthouse dogs can help alleviate anxiety to ease the judicial process. Meet Mr. Baker, a Golden Retriever who works at the Williamson County Courthouse. Cynthia York, Senior Administrative Assistant and Therapy Dog Program Coordinator, shares how their program works.
Tell us about the courthouse therapy dog program in your county/circuit. How did it start and how does it work?
The program is three years old and was my brainchild in the First Circuit. Court users can request a dog through a request form found on our website or by telephone to the county contact. Three of our nine counties utilize ATD Dogs (Alliance of Therapy Dogs).
Tell us about Mr. Baker (age, breed, etc.). How long has he worked with the court?
Mr. Baker is an English Cream Golden Retriever born on December 14
th, 2021, and has been with our program since its inception. He visits Juvenile, Family, and Drug courts on a regular basis and the staff a bit more often.
How would you describe Mr. Baker’s daily job?
Mr. Baker lends calm, unbiased support to litigants and court stakeholders. Our staff loves him as much if not more than the public.
How would you describe Mr. Baker, both on the job and at home?
Mr. Baker is a gentle, soft friend to everyone he meets. He loves his puppy dog toy and salmon snacks. He works hard at area schools and hospitals as well as the courthouse.
Who does Mr. Baker primarily interact with?
Anyone who wants a warm, gentle pet is welcomed by Mr. Baker. He primarily interacts with his handler as he is very highly trained and AKC certified.
How do people generally respond to Mr. Baker?
Court users and staff both always light up and relax when Mr. Baker is here. Mr. Baker inspires lots of smiling.
Can you share a time that Mr. Baker made a particularly profound impact on someone visiting the courthouse?
In one case an adult man had a fear of dogs that he worked through being around Mr. Baker every week in Drug Court.
What does Mr. Baker do when he’s not working?
He is required to attend Continuing Education for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (an international association of Therapy Dogs) and he plays with his packmate Maudie, also an Alliance Dog.
Why do you think the courthouse therapy dog program is important?
Some people, especially children, don’t have anyone without an agenda in their corner. With Mr. Baker, the tension in the room goes way down and he puts everyone more at ease.
Anything else you’d like to share?
We have Mr. Baker in Williamson County, Charlie in Jackson County, and Arlo starting in Saline County in August. Thanks to A2J grant monies and circuit support from Chief Judge William J. Thurston and Presiding Judges Green, Solverson, and Clark.
For more information on the First Judicial Circuit’s Therapy Dog Program, click here.