Rogers County Courthouse Therapy Dog To Retire After Providing Comfort To Witnesses For 10 Years

A therapy dog has worked at the Rogers County Courthouse for years, providing comfort to kids in courtrooms.

But as it eventually happens, retirement beckons.

Jerzy, the certified therapy court dog, has sat next to witnesses for ten years.

While Jerzy is fulfilling her duties, Mindie Babb, the District Court Reporter, can be found right by her.

"It's proven that therapy dogs are good for the blood pressure, so I started this program because of that,” Babb said.

During Jerzy’s time in the Court Dog program, she’s provided hugs and snuggles to children who may be nervous while testifying.

"We had a child who has to testify on the witness stand, and she was testifying against her father,” Babb said. “She was extremely nervous; she could not breathe, she was having an asthma attack, and Jerzy sensed it. She started leaning into her. She gave her her paw, and the little girl calmed down."

Outside the courtroom, Jerzy spends time volunteering at different hospitals and schools.

"A lot of times, it's those children who come to our courthouse and talk to our investigators or have to testify, and if they're familiar with Jerzy, they're not going to be as nervous because they know Jerzy will be at the courthouse,” Babb said.

Babb’s aware that Jerzy's getting older, and Jerzy may want to retire from her position.

"She loves her job, but she might just get to the point where she wants to relax, so I wanted to bring another dog into our program,” Babb said.

Joey is joining the program and happens to be Jerzy's brother.

He will become a full-time court dog by October.

Even after Jerzy retires, Babb's glad that the program will be in good paws.

If you have Something Good you would like to share, email us at Somethinggoodnewson6@griffin.news