Lake County Courthouse Welcomes Comfort Dog, Desi

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court's newest employee is among the only designated courthouse facility dogs in the state.

Desi is a one-year-old purebred standard poodle raised and trained by Canines 4 Comfort of Round Lake and was recently donated to the courthouse in Waukegan.

Desi's training equips her to perform a wide range of specific tasks in the courthouse, from helping victims, petitioners and defendants in court to welcoming and spending time with jurors, visiting children in Kids' Korner and even supporting employees, judges and attorneys throughout the workday, according to a news release from the courthouse.

"Desi has already made a significant impact on our community. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful to Canines 4 Comfort and their volunteers for finding and training a facility dog that is a wonderful addition to our Nineteenth Judicial Circuit family," said Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes. "Desi has already shown us that she can make a positive impact on court participants and employees alike. Facility dogs like Desi are trained to lessen stress, anxiety, and trauma. Her job is to provide support and affection; when you see her around the building, ask her handlers if you can pet her, she will brighten your day,"

Canines 4 Comfort provides trained dogs to support mental health and wellness. Desi began her full-time career with the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit two weeks ago and "is destined to have a long career that positively touches lives in Lake County," court officials said Monday.