marymae9040

First let me say that this is a brilliant concept providing an invaluable service. I have several questions: 1) is Missouri a participating state, 2) does a participating state express interest in Courthouse Dogs and then a qualified handler within that state is identified and matched with a dog OR do qualified handlers and trained dogs travel between states, 3) do children become attached to their assistance dog and, if so, is the child able to stay in touch with the canine friend when services are no longer needed, 4) is it possible to train shelter dogs (or shelter puppies) to be Courthouse Dogs, 5) how do you market to those who would benefit from this service and, 6) do you personally meet and place each dog or do the training facilities make those recommendations and work with the end-users? Thanks for your time. Hope to someday see Courthouse Dogs in every state.

Thanks for all this great information. I'm fascinated and in awe of your program --- just wish shelter puppies (labs, goldens, even pibbles) were considered for training. I'm not a fan of breeders - sorry. Full disclosure: I work in dog rescue in the St. Louis area. ;) Can Blue accompany a child into a courtroom if need be? Can Blue work in St. Louis City? And just so I'm understanding correctly, a handler candidate in a participating state expresses a willingness and then a trained dog (and training for the handler) is provided, correct?