Stressed? Dogs in Portland courtrooms may help

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Dogs took over a Portland courtroom on Saturday and though they were not on trial, they were preparing for one.

The Dove Lewis Canine Therapy Team is working with Portland police and Multnomah County in a new program designed to lower the nerves during high-stakes and stressful court proceedings. On Saturday, the dogs were in the court for a mock trial as part of their training.

The new program will at times bring these therapy dogs into the courtroom to provide a calming presence for children or others who might be very stressed during a legal proceeding.

Circuit Judge Adrian Brown said the dog may be in the public gallery section, though there may be other spots in the courtroom, too.

"I've also seen the dogs being used at the witness stand with, particularly, maybe a child or even an adult victim who's having a really hard time with just the stress of being in a courtroom, full of complete strangers telling something that is extremely vulnerable," Judge Brown said.

The Dove Lewis Therapy Dogs volunteers will be in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas and Clark counties. There are 35 trained teams of dogs and handlers.