Centre County prosecutors have a new courthouse dog. She’s already making a difference
It may have been her pacific demeanor, ability to respond to more than a baker’s dozen commands or the way she perked up when she heard “treat.”
No matter the reason, 2 1/2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever mix Missie brought smiles Friday to a place where they can be scarce — the Centre County Courthouse.
It’s the hope of Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna that the newest member of his office can bring a few more — or at least a sense of comfort — to those who come to talk about experiences that are rarely positive.
“Anybody who has a four-legged canine friend knows the unconditional love and support that they give you,” Cantorna said. “What we really don’t understand is how difficult and how hard it is to come to court and testify and tell stories about things of your life, terrible things that have occurred to you in an environment that really isn’t welcoming. It’s not designed to provide that comfort and support, but Missie has been trained for two years to do exactly that.”
Missie was sworn in Friday by Centre County President Judge Jonathan Grine, but has worked in the county’s court system for the past two weeks.
She spent plenty of time resting Friday at the feet of her handler or the media members there to capture her public debut, occasionally walking up to the handful of cameras in the courtroom.
With the help of some kibble, she responded to more than a dozen commands from her handler with the conviction you may expect after more than two years of training. Rarely did the order have to be repeated.
“Whether it’s because of her calming presence or her cuteness and her sweet personality, Missie is really a welcome addition,” handler and Centre County early outreach victim advocate Liz Rosenberg said. “And at the end of the day, it’s my hope that she can serve as a reminder to us all about how to treat others with patience, with kindness.”
Missie is one of about a dozen courthouse service dogs in Pennsylvania. She is the second to work in Centre County, following in the pawprints of her trailblazing predecessor.
Princess, a Labrador retriever who worked at the courthouse for more than seven years until her death in 2017, was believed to be the first courthouse service dog on the East Coast.
Her handler, Centre County victim advocate Faith Summers, said Princess was her “greatest accomplishment” in a career that has spanned about two decades.
“I’m very proud of all the work that was put in the program and how she shined the entire time she was here. Everyone loved her. She actually had defense attorneys getting down on their knees in skirts and suits to pet her and to love her,” the soon-to-be retired Summers said. “It just meant the world to me to know that I could work on getting another dog for the office.”
Missie’s work will likely extend beyond the courthouse. She is expected to help children being interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Centre County, a place where children can go to talk to a trained forensic interviewer about allegations of abuse or crimes.
Executive Director Kim Saltsman said she is “so excited and grateful” for Missie’s service.
“I believe having Missie will have a huge positive impact on the children and family’s experiences throughout the investigation and the court process, improving their overall well-being and journey to healing by providing that extra comfort and companionship to them,” Saltsman said. “... We’re just so excited and we want everybody to know that if they’re ready to talk about something that has happened to them, we are all here and now we have Missie to make that (an) even better process.”
Missie lives in Ferguson Township with Rosenberg, her family and their border collie. After receiving instruction from a volunteer, she was then trained through Benner state prison’s dog training program.
“It’s really important that people know that she’s here and victims and survivors know that she’s here, and that there is this whole host of support ready to listen and hear and support through what we know is a challenging process,” Cantorna said. “But we’re here to help you with it.”
Centre County has a rich history of seeking help from service dogs
Mount Nittany Health launched in October a new pet therapy program, one that sees six dogs work one-hour shifts at the hospital.
The Centre County Library & Historical Museum has hosted for years its Tail Waggin’ Tutors program. During the school year, struggling or reluctant readers can sign up for a 10-minute reading session with a dog by their side.
Several school districts in Centre County have also brought in service or comfort dogs.
This story was originally published June 14, 2024 at 4:34 PM.