One of the highlights for visitors who tour the Supreme Court of Missouri is seeing our dog, Old Drum. Old Drum is not a living dog, but a bronze bust of the celebrated Johnson County dog who was shot and killed in 1870 by his owner’s brother-in-law. When the owner sued his relative for the value of the loss of his best hunting dog, it took three trials because of procedural errors and an appeal to the Court before the owner ultimately was awarded $50. The owner’s attorney, George Graham Vest (later a United States senator), delivered an emotional closing argument, bringing the jury to tears. Many have said it was from that impassioned oratory the phrase “a dog is a man’s best friend” originated.
As Vest famously argued to a jury in September 1870 in Warrensburg:
The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is the dog. … He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. … When all other friends desert, he remains … the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him, to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies … faithful and true, even unto death.
Today, more than 150 years later, various juvenile and family courtrooms throughout Missouri continue to take advantage of “man’s best friend” by utilizing dogs to provide emotional support and create a calming environment for both court users and staff. The presence of a friendly dog in a court setting helps alleviate stress and anxiety for children , parents, and even legal professionals in cases in which emotions run high. Additionally, the presence of dogs can foster a sense of safety and comfort for children who have had a history of being abused or neglected.
Rip waits in his judge’s chair at the Clay County Courthouse for people to attend a hearing. (Photo courtesy Clay County Circuit Judge Alisha O’Hara.)
For example, a Cavapoo named Rip may quietly walk around the Clay County courtroom during an abuse or neglect hearing bringing smiles to faces. Many persons, including the mother of a child recently involved a hearing, remarked how much better Rip’s presence made her feel. She said she LOVED being able to pat him as it made her feel more at home.
Silvey and Bella are two silver Labradors who live at the Bruce Normile Detention Center in Kirksville. When youth first arrive there, it is Silvey and Bella who greet them, helping the new residents feel more relaxed and at ease. The residents help in caring and feeding the dogs, learning responsibility. Silvey and Bella also provide snuggles and licks to the youth, promoting a more compassionate and supportive environment.
Derby, a black English Labrador, is a specially trained therapy dog in Greene County. He plays a vital role in providing comfort and support to the youth at the Greene County Juvenile Justice Center. Because Derby is specially trained to offer emotional support, he helps youth by reducing their stress and anxiety and promoting a sense of tranquility in challenging situations. Whether sitting with a youth during difficult conversations, offering a reassuring presence in therapy sessions, or simply providing companionship, Derby creates a more positive and supportive environment for both youth and staff. He even has his own social media following – check him out @duodogderby on Facebook and Insta!
Like Derby, some of these dogs are specially trained to help reduce fear and intimidation associated with court proceedings. But they all bring their own special magic to the courtroom, making it easier for children to communicate their feelings and experiences. This can be particularly beneficial in cases involving trauma, custody disputes or abuse in which emotional stakes are high.
But it turns out the dogs don’t just help children and families. Court staff and judges report a similar calming effect after being able to interact with a dog while performing their court duties. I am thankful for all these dogs and the small bit of comfort or joy they can instill into an otherwise stressful court environment.
Back at our Court, attorneys who come to argue cases here give Old Drum’s statue a pat on the head for good luck before entering the courtroom. A century and a half later, Old Drum still generates lots of smiles!