News
Canine Court Companion Program gets a 12-month extension.

May 30, 2025
Yellow Labrador Arnie sitting in court near the stand.

Following the success and community impact of our Canine Court Companion program, we are delighted to share that it has been extended for another 12 months.

This is an incredible achievement that continues to demonstrate the invaluable contribution and impact our dogs make in the community and the importance of our Therapy Dog program.

Programs like this would not be possible without the extraordinary teams who have built and maintained these vital relationships. These teams include the Therapy Dogs team, led by Samantha O’Keeffe, and our volunteers, coordinated by the team at our Guide Dog Centre.

The contributions of our dogs and their Handlers are reflected in the numbers. As part of the program, our volunteers average 34 visits per week, spending time in the foyers, waiting areas, and safe rooms, offering support to anyone in the courts who needs it. Court visits usually last around an hour and a half. However, due to the high demand for our services, many volunteers stay longer, with our dogs often identifying members of the public who may benefit from some extra attention.

The numbers demonstrate the importance of the job they do, including:

  1. Servicing 11 courts across NSW, from Manly to Campbelltown in Sydney, to regional areas like Wagga Wagga, Lismore, and Taree.
  2. 67 selfless volunteer Handlers.
  3. 63 Canine Court Companion Dogs

From its humble beginnings in Manly, this program continues to thrive and create real impact with stories like these coming from our interactions:

From Taree:

“Vanda appeared to recognise a frequent Court user and immediately made her way over to them. This person had been sitting alone, head down. As soon as Vanda sat in front of him, he looked up, smiled and welcomed a cuddle and a pat. This opened a conversation with lots of smiles and laughs initiated by Vanda’s “love bug” demeanour. It has been an extremely long process for this man, and he stated that she’s the main reason he’s “kept calm and sane”. He said he would miss her “when it’s all over.”

From Gosford:

“As soon as Marley and I entered the Safe Room today, we saw a lady whom we have sat with several times before. Her face broke out into a smile as soon as she saw Marley, and she reached out for a pat. She was then called into court, but we later came across her in the outside waiting area. She was shaking and upset, and on seeing me, asked if Marley could stand beside her till the man she was frightened of had left the courthouse. She seemed to find comfort in just having Marley there, by her side, and was able to calm down a little. She thanked Marley (and me) so much for helping her yet again and then left.”

From Sutherland:

“A mother and daughter were waiting in the foyer area, and it was very easy to read that they wanted us to approach. The daughter, perhaps in her late teens or early twenties, became very animated, and it was obvious that the interaction with Loma had calmed and relaxed her. The daughter said that she was so glad we were at Court as it was her and her mum’s first time at court, and it made her feel better as it was a pretty anxiety-inducing experience.”

Stories like these reinforce the importance and the significant impact our dogs, volunteers, and the Canine Court Companion Program have on the community. Congratulations once again to everyone involved. We look forward to another 12 months of support and puppy love for those navigating the court system here in NSW.



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