A program, that puts dogs inside Erie county courtrooms, is turning out to be a huge success.
Erie News Now went into the courtroom, to see first-hand how canines are providing comfort.

Certified therapy dogs were hard at work Monday, as several children and teens made their way into court.

It's amazing to see how a child, going through something so terribly traumatic, can be calmed with just with the presence and comfort of a dog. It's made possible with the Courthouse Comfort Canine program.

President Judge John Trucilla, teamed up with Therapy Dogs United about a year and a half ago to bring the program into Erie county courtrooms, "It would have to me in my estimation, the best decision I could have made as president judge to date," said Judge Trucilla.

Judge Trucilla is head of the family and orphans court division.

And he says the program helps children relax, and better focus during their legal hearings.

Monday afternoon, we watched as children interacted with Sadie, a certified therapy dog, before a hearing.

You could tell their minds were not on the stress of a court hearing, rather the excitement of meeting a pleasant new dog, "The comfort, the joy when you see the kids, is just beautiful, " said Bonnie Tarcia, Sadie's owner and Therapy Dogs United Volunteer. "The dogs are just so warm and relaxing and fun for the kids, and so  it really reduces their anxiety," Tarcia continued.

The program has been so successful with kids, the dogs are also being used in Veteran's court, helping to ease the stress for adults too.

The Courthouse Comfort Canine program doesn't cost taxpayers a thing, it's all provided by volunteers as part of the local non-profit, Therapy Dogs United.