Resident dogs help ease tension in court

The Labrador mix seems to love helping people get through traumatic experiences at the King County Courthouse.

"I think that really can help people get through the whole process with a little bit less trauma," said Page Ulrey, senior deputy prosecuting attorney.

Ellie spends a lot of time working with kids. She offers them comfort in trying times, like testifying about crimes they've witnessed or experienced.

"They are sitting in these interviews, telling a stranger about having been sexually abused, and instead of just sitting here with nothing, they get to have Ellie and pet Ellie and have Ellie's head on their lap while they talk about what happened," Ulrey said.

Ellie and her canine partner, Jeeter, also play a role in drug court. They give defendants at risk of dropping out a reason to stay clean.

A drug court judge says the dogs teach life lessons, too.

"Some of the kids developed a sense of responsibility because they would take care of the dog during court proceedings," said Superior Court Judge Laura Inveen.

Prosecutor Ellen O'Neill-Stephens started the courthouse dog program -- the first of its kind in the nation.

King County's success has already inspired Snohomish County to bring two specially-trained dogs on board. And Kitsap, Thurston and Pierce counties are looking to launch their own programs.

Even drug czar Gil Kerlikowske is looking to introduce dogs in drug courts across the country.

Plans are still tentative, but the former Seattle police chief has seen its success first hand.

"I think this is the next step for using dogs in the criminal justice system," O'Neill-Stephens said.