When Facility Courthouse Dog Jacob first padded into his new workplace at the Pima County Attorney’s Office six months ago, he brought more than wagging tails and soft fur—he brought hope, courage, and calm.
Facility Dog Jacob and Kristin have been a team since early 2025, working at the Pima County Attorney’s Office in Arizona. Jacob assists victims through the entire court process- from telling their stories to testifying in court.
Kristin, his handler, remembers how quickly Jacob’s joyful spirit began to brighten even the toughest days. “Jacob loves people, especially children,” she says.
“His friendly, joyful energy instantly breaks the ice—especially when he gives a little ‘wave!’ His presence offers a sense of comfort and safety when it’s time to talk about the hard stuff.”
Facility dogs like Jacob work in a variety of professional environments—schools, hospitals, advocacy centers, and courtrooms—but their mission is always the same: to support their communities. In Jacob’s case, that means standing beside children and victims as they navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.
Whether he’s resting his head in a child’s lap, lying gently across their feet during a stressful meeting, or simply breathing beside them in silence, Jacob provides more than comfort—he offers a steady reminder that they are not alone. Kristin explains, “In Arizona, a victim under 18 can have a Facility Dog with them while they testify. Testifying can be scary and stressful, but Jacob’s job is to make sure they feel less alone while they’re up there, so they can find their voice and tell their story.”
Jacob’s most used task right now is “visit.” Sometimes, he doesn’t even need to be asked—he’ll walk over, rest his big golden head in a child’s lap, and look up with those soft eyes that say, I’m here for you.
“That simple gesture helps children feel safe and loved in an environment that might otherwise feel overwhelming. Even for me, on a rough day, his calm heartbeat and steady presence help me regulate and refocus.”
One story in particular captures Jacob’s quiet power. After a child testified in court about heartbreaking abuse, Kristin and Jacob joined her in a respite room. “Jacob crawled onto the couch and curled up right next to her, resting his head in her lap,” Kristin recalls. “She quietly petted him and closed her eyes with a smile on her face. He provided the perfect escape for her to process and he didn’t move until she was ready.”
The impact of Facility Dogs like Jacob goes beyond emotional comfort—they help reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and foster trust and connection. “They offer unconditional support,” Kristin says. “They promote a feeling of safety, continuity, and help victims find their voice.”
Facility Dog Jacob takes a break outside of the Pima County Attorney’s Office
Even outside of his formal work, Jacob’s light shines. “His personality is a golden light in the dark,” Kristin says. “He exudes a joyful, warm and comforting presence that touches everyone he meets—even people we just pass in the hallway.”
As Kristin and Jacob continue their journey together, she looks forward to seeing him take his place beside a child on the witness stand.
“I’ve already seen kids go from shy and hesitant to brave and confident just by working with dogs.”
“I can’t wait for the day a child walks up to testify with Jacob right at their side—standing tall, guiding him ‘under,’ and using their powerful voice as they tell their story.”
Six months in, Jacob has already made a mark on the lives around him. His quiet strength, his steady heart, and his unspoken compassion remind everyone that healing doesn’t always come from words—sometimes, it comes from a “visit” and a patient presence.
Would you or someone you care about benefit from a Facility Dog? Visit dogsforbetterlives.org/facility-dogs to learn more about their work, and apply.
