Judge's dog helps ease tensions for children in Juv.court

[Miss Mary]

Now here's a Judge who knows children and parents. We keep reading about criminals getting off easy and how court hearings/trials often make no sense. This story was the flip side of how successful courts can be. Read on. Seems we need more judges like this man.

Mary

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http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ ... 90407/1056

Judge's dog helps ease tensions for children in juvenile court
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DELAWARE, Ohio - A juvenile court judge has come up with a way to help ease the concerns and tension for upset youngsters who come into his chambers to talk about grown-up things such as custody battles or child abuse.

The judge's big yellow Labrador retriever helps make the courthouse and the judge a little less intimidating.

"It's so simple and, yet, it's just miraculous," Delaware County Juvenile Court Judge Kenneth Spicer said.

"It never fails that they soften and the situation goes better. . . . I don't want the kids to be more stressed or upset than they already are."

He said the dog, named Buckeye, also helps relax parents, who usually smile when they meet her.

Other judges ease tensions in different ways, often using a teddy bear or other stuffed toys and puppets. The Ohio Supreme Court is not aware of another judge using a personal pet to relax people coming before the court, spokesman Chris Davey said.

In Spicer's chambers, Buckeye attends interviews between the judge and children only with the permission of parents, after checking for allergies or phobias.

She's not on her own.

The nonprofit Canine Companions for Independence sometimes take puppies they're training for a visit.

Schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other places are increasingly using such working dogs, said Judy Myers, a development director for the Canine Companion's regional office in Delaware.

She said Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers are ideal breeds for the job because they have pleasant dispositions and are eager to please.

Buckeye, who weighs 97 pounds, has her own court ID badge and wears a blue halter, embroidered with "Juvenile Court Dog" and her name.

"Buckeye has such a gentle spirit about her," Spicer said. "She makes eye contact with the kids. Her tail's just always going."

[TexasStooge]

That's a great idea.

[Stephanie]

Very smart judge.

[beachbum_al]

We do need more caring judges like that.