What could have been a cacophony of canines instead was more a parade of well-behaved — and mostly silent — pooches at the Westmoreland County Courthouse on Thursday.

During an appreciation luncheon, the dogs and their handlers were recognized for participating in the nearly year-old therapy dog program, launched by the county children’s bureau and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Westmoreland.

“As anticipated, the therapy dogs’ presence within the courthouse has helped relax children, parents, foster parents, caseworkers, and many other court staff,” said Melissa Burns, CASA advocate supervisor.

“These furry friends have been a great asset in lowering stress levels before and even after family court proceedings,” she added.

Thirteen handlers and their 17 therapy dogs visit family court on an as-needed basis, typically on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Their visits are expected to expand, Burns said.

The dogs spend time in a waiting area with children, and accompany them into a courtroom if requested.

There is no cost to the county, and those who do not wish to interact with the dogs can wait in a separate area.

Four-footed therapy

Beyond the pure pleasure of a soulful pair of eyes and a wagging tail, dogs can help provide stress relief with just a few minutes of petting and interaction, studies show.

The dogs’ owners are not surprised.

Many of the dogs do double, triple or more duty, providing their special therapy at hospitals, nursing homes, schools and libraries, along with making courthouse visits.

JoAnn and Mark White of Monroeville brought their Newfoundland Gibbs (fans of television’s “NCIS” know where he got his name), who is 5, to the luncheon.

JoAnn White said Gibbs, her first therapy dog, was recently certified.

“He’s very gentle and he especially loves children,” she said.

“When we are in the (family court) waiting room, he recognizes when children are sad or stressed,” White said.

Once a child was sitting with his head hanging down. Gibbs went to the end of the boy’s aisle and waited.

“And adult with the boy said, ‘I think that dog needs you,’” White said.

The boy went over to the dog and played with and petted him for 15 minutes, she said.

Gibbs also is available, White said, for “parents, or staff members who are having a bad day and need a hug.”

“When we go home he’s exhausted. It’s a very emotionally charged atmosphere,” White said.

Christine DeMarcki of Harrison City brought Daisy, 2 1/2, a shih tzu who also makes hospital and library rounds.

“We go into family court and sit in the waiting room. She’s therapy for any and all in the family court system. A lot of the lawyers come in and play with them, too,” she said.

Cain terrier Holly, 13, has five years under her belt as a therapy dog.

“This is what I’ve always wanted to do. I was a nurse for 44 years,” said Holly’s owner, Chris Simpson of Irwin.

Lou Silva of Murrysville helps run the therapy dog program at Murrysville Community Library.

“He’s my fourth therapy dog,” she said of Pilot, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

She also has a golden retriever therapy dog named Mr. Darcy.

“We do a lot of reading. I have literary dogs,” Silva said.

Readers of “Jane Eyre” will get the references.

Kathy Galembush of Irwin said her golden retriever, Brandi, 3 1/2, has helped everyone from adolescent boys to Alzheimer’s patients.

“A lot of the women (in the courtroom) are there for (protection from abuse orders); grandparents are there seeking custody. … Men and women are nervous to go into the courtroom, and she’s calmed them down,” she said.

A retired nurse, she said working with a therapy dog helps her, too.

“It’s just really a joy for me,” she said

“It’s been an awesome program, and we just want to show them we’re appreciative,” said Kelly Jellison, CASA advocate supervisor.

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