Court dogs are being used to help veterans facing legal trouble cope with their stress. What a wonderful concept!  Dogs have been assisting in courtrooms since the 2003 when an innovative company was created, <a href="http://www.courthousedogs.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Courthouse Dogs</span></a>. Currently there are at least 60 courtrooms across the country that utilize dogs to relieve stress in child victims, veterans in legal trouble, and even in courtroom staff.

Many veterans who find themselves in trouble with law are already experiencing post traumatic stress syndrome. According to the <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20110525/NEWS03/105250366/Court-dog-offers-hope-help-veterans-facing-legal-trouble?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Detroit Free Press</span></a>:

<em>“The U.S. has more than 23 million military veterans. Some suffer from long-term problems like substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Such problems can sometimes end in arrests and incarceration.</em>

<em>Among the nation's veterans:</em>

<em>• One in five report symptoms of mental disorders.</em>

<em>• One in four between the ages of 18 and 25 meet the criteria for substance abuse disorders.</em>

<em>• Approximately one-third of the nation's homeless people have served in the military.</em>

<em>• Though no current national statistics are available on the number of veterans incarcerated, Vietnam Veterans of America, a nonprofit advocacy group, estimates 1.5 million vets are arrested each year.”</em>

In Michigan, a 3-year-old <a href="http://www.akc.org/breeds/doberman_pinscher/">Doberman Pincher</a> is being used strictly for the veteran program started by Judge Brian MacKenzie of the 52<sup>nd</sup> District Court, based off of a Washington program. Judge MacKenzie says that since the veterans had once been warriors while serving the country, they could relate pretty well to a Doberman Pincher, who is usually looked upon as one of the original war dogs. His program also includes therapy at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor as well as support from courtroom staff, including the judge.

Study upon study has shown that pets, especially dogs, have a calming effect on people. What an ingenious idea, to bring dogs into the courtroom, one of the most stressful places a person can find themselves. Kudos to Judge MacKenzie and all of the other courtrooms utilizing this great asset…volunteer dogs!

<em>photo credit: pato_garzo/flickr</em>