Courthouse canines help ease the tension, one tail wag at a time

Ottawa Courthouse is using therapy dogs from Just Paws to help victims, witnesses and participants cope with the stress of legal proceedings. Dogs like Henry the labradoodle and Kaboom the greyhound comfort people during trials, including R.A., who testified for seven days in 2023 against her former trafficker. Just Paws handlers like Sylvia Nicholson and Marie Nadeau bring dogs to waiting areas, meeting rooms and sometimes courtrooms, helping people experiencing some of the most difficult days of their lives. The dogs also work in Ottawa's youth mental health court and drug treatment court, where they provide unconditional comfort during weekly progress meetings. Handler Nancy Truss said the dogs offer 'unconditional love' and don't judge people regardless of their situation. The program helps reduce anxiety and creates calmer environments for clearer testimony.