Facility Dogs

Sean Stephens’ service dog Jeeter was the inspiration for facility dogs assisting people in the criminal justice system. Jeeter did volunteer work at the office comforting children at juvenile court and in forensic interviews when he couldn’t be with Sean. Just one meeting with Jeeter convinced the prosecuting attorney, the late Norm Maleng, that he should apply for a facility dog from Canine Companions for Independence.

We are proud that our office began this innovative method to reduce the emotional trauma that is inherent in the work that we do.

 

Jeeter

Ellie and Page

In 2004 facility dog Ellie was placed to work with Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Page Ulrey to assist children in forensic interviews and vulnerable witnesses when they testified in court. Ellie was the first facility dog in the world to assist professionals in the justice system. Eleven years later she is still working and there are now over 70 facility dogs doing this type of work in 25 states, Chile and Canada.

See Ellie in action in this King County Always At Your Service video.

See Ellie and Jeeter in this King County Dogs in the Courthouse video.