Pierce County courthouse dog for calm and comfort

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Pierce County is prepared to put a courthouse dog to work at the County-City Building in Tacoma.

The 2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever named Kiley is ready to go. She’s been trained like a service dog and lives with Michelle Walker, the justice services manager for the prosecutor’s office.

Walker says the dog can comfort and calm witnesses or victims in a stressful courtroom situation.

The courthouse dog will get a one-year test as soon as court officials set a policy.

The News Tribune reports (http://is.gd/egiUJQ ) Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy is concerned about requests from people who may want to bring pets to court. There’s also the issue of allergies.

Walker says Kiley is well-trained so she won’t bark or have an indoor accident.

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Information from: The News Tribune, http://www.thenewstribune.com