It normally wouldn’t be appropriate if a member of the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office kissed you when you visited their office.
However, the newest member of their team is allowed to, and everyone is cool with it.
Advertisements
Four-legged district attorney’s office comfort dog Daisey and her handlers met with reporters Friday at the Bucks County Administration Building in Doylestown Borough.
The 2-year-old yellow lab joined the office in August as a way to bring victims and witnesses to ease during what can be among the most nerve-racking and stressful times of their life.
Members of the staff said Daisey already has helped victims and witnesses reach a sense of calm. A quick stroke of her soft fur and glancing at her expressive brown eyes can take away a burden.
Advertisements
“She ratchets down the tension,” District Attorney Matt Weintraub said. “When witnesses and victims come up, she can defuse the stress.”
The trained comfort dog that wears a special vest not only calm victims and witnesses, but staff in the high-stress environment that can be the prosecutor’s office, Weintraub explained.
Ashley Towhey, an assistant district attorney, said she helped spur the momentum for a comfort dog at the Justice Center in Doylestown.
Advertisements
“People see her and their faces light up. She distracts from the stress and they love her,” Towhey said.
With support from Weintraub, the idea received approval from then-Bucks County President Judge Jeffrey Finley and moved forward.
Weintraub said Daisey cost less than $1,000 to acquire from Chester County-based Canine Partners for Life.
Advertisements
The district attorney’s office will pay for her care and she will rotate between four prosecutors – First District Attorney Gregg Shore and prosecutors Towhey, Kate Kohler, and Megan Hunsicker – for week-long stints in their home.
Dublin Veterinary Hospital is donating medical care for the pooch, Towhey said.
Arianna Denison, the outreach coordinator for Canine Partners for Life, said Daisey’s first year of training was obedience and how to act around people. Her second year was preparing her for her role supporting people at the courthouse.
Advertisements
Bucks County isn’t the first to have a courthouse comfort dog. Montgomery County and Lancaster County have similar courthouse comfort dogs.
