San Luis Obispo County adds courthouse comfort dog

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- The San Luis Obsipo County courthouse will soon have a dog to provide comfort in the Victim Witness Assistance Center. The county board of supervisors approved the courthouse dog program this week.

The District Attorney's Office said it began developing the innovative program several years ago to provide care for crime victims and witnesses.

“Our new Courthouse Dog will provide lots of needed love, emotional support, and attention to many survivors of crime while they are experiencing the not-so-fun aspects of the justice system,” said District Attorney Dan Dow. “We are excited for the November arrival of our new canine member of the DA family.”

The Lucille Brughelli Trust and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation are helping to fund the program.

The trained Certified Facility Dog will be obtained through Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and is bread for optimal temperament to work with both children and adults alike in highly stressful situations and settings.

The District Attorney’s Office expects to bring home their new addition next month.