Saline County Courthouse Welcomes Therapy Dogs to Enhance Courtroom Support
Date/Time
Date(s) - 08/27/2025 - 10/31/2025
12:00 am
Categories
Harrisburg, Saline County, IL – Saline County Presiding Judge, Jayson M. Clark, First Judicial
Circuit Chief Judge, William J. Thurston, along with First Circuit Court Therapy Dog Program
Coordinator, Cynthia York, are proud to announce the launch of the Saline County Courthouse
Court Therapy Dog Program.
Two specially trained therapy dog teams, DeeAndra Martin with Arlo and Tom Rabideau with
Frankie were introduced at a courthouse meet-and-greet on Friday, July 25, 2025. These teams
will provide vital emotional support for children, witnesses, victims and others participating in
legal proceedings.
Therapy dogs offer calm companionship during emotionally stressful situations. Both dogs and
handlers complete rigorous certification through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, meeting strict
health, behavior, and supervision standards.
To request a court therapy dog, please fill out the Therapy Dog Request Form located on the First
Judicial Circuit’s Court Therapy Dog Program web page www.firstcircuitil.org and return to
Cynthia via email cyorkfjc@gmail.com. For more information, contact Cynthia York at the
Office of the Chief Judge by calling 618-997-1234.