Courthouse Dogs Foundation

We love celebrating our furry friends! Happy birthday to facility dog Kuzco!

Happy Birthday to the very best boy, Kuzco! 🐾🎉 Every day at the Barrie Center, you do more than wag your tail and give cuddles… you bring comfort during hard moments, calm during fear, and love when it’s needed most.

To so many children walking through these doors, you are a safe place. A friend. A source of hope, healing, and justice. 💙

Thank you for the joy you bring, the gentle care you give, and the countless hearts you help mend just by being YOU.

The children, families, and staff are all better because of your sweet spirit. Happy Birthday, Kuzco! We love you!🦴🎉💙
HERO - Alabama's Courthouse Facility Dog Program
Canine Companions

At Courthouse Dogs® Foundation, we don't just advocate for facility dogs in the justice system — we advocate for the right dogs. That means exclusively partnering with ADI-accredited organizations whose rigorous training standards produce the kind of calm, skilled, reliable dogs that can sit beside a child testifying against her abuser or help a trauma survivor finally find her voice.

This week, CDF CEO Felicia Ako and Co-Founder Dr. Celeste Walsen DVM had the privilege of visiting Dogs for Better Lives in Medford, Oregon — meeting Interim CEO Gwen Dudek and National Program Manager and trainer Emilia and seeing their extraordinary campus and dogs in training up close. We are so grateful for their time and inspired by this partnership. 🐾

A simple, yet thoughtful example of how a facility dog makes a big difference for a child navigating the justice system. Thank you, Hoagie. 🐾

I helped a little girl testify today, and she gave me the sweetest note and picture! I think she’s the best!

We are saddened to learn of the passing of facility dog Astro, a true pioneer whose impact will be felt for years to come.

Over 11 years of service, Astro helped countless children and families navigate difficult moments with comfort, connection, and unwavering support. His work helped shape the role of facility dogs in Washington State and inspired many programs that followed.

You can read about this remarkable dog and program here:
https://www.thurstontalk.com/2024/04/01/community-action-council-of-lewis-mason-thurston-counties-celebrates-the-retirement-of-courthouse-service-dog-astro/

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Astro's handlers, the team at Monarch Children's Justice and Advocacy Center, and all those whose lives were touched by this remarkable dog.

Rest easy, Astro. Thank you for your service. 🐾

Congratulations to Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines on being named a 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year by California State Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez.

This is well-deserved recognition for an organization whose impact is felt through every guide, service, facility, and therapy dog team they help bring into the world.

We’re proud to celebrate our longtime partners and friends at GDA | TLC. 🐾

After six years of dedicated service at the Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Vernon, BC, Canada, facility dog Cirque officially retired in April.

Throughout her career, Cirque helped children feel safer, calmer, and supported during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her quiet presence made a lasting impact on countless children, families, and professionals along the way.

Thank you to the Oak CYAC team and to PADS, who helped support Cirque’s incredible work over the years.

Wishing Cirque a happy retirement filled with trail walks, lake adventures, and plenty of early dinners. 🐾

Thank you for your service, Buster.

Introduced by the York County Wellness Courts in 2013, Buster was a pioneer—not only in Pennsylvania, but across the country—supporting individuals navigating Drug, DUI, Mental Health, and Veterans’ Treatment Courts.

At a time when facility dogs were primarily used to support victims and witnesses, Buster helped expand what was possible within the justice system. His calm presence brought comfort and connection to individuals facing substance use, PTSD, and mental health challenges.

His role was simple: to be present. His impact was profound.

Behind every courthouse facility dog is a devoted handler and an extraordinary bond built on trust, teamwork, and compassion. 💙🐾

This National Dog Mom Day, we’re celebrating just a few of the incredible dog-handler teams around the world who show up every day to support children and other vulnerable individuals navigating the justice system.