Centre County receives courthouse comfort dog

Missie, yellow Labrador retriever mix, trained to aid witnesses, victims

From Mirror staff reports

Missie, a 2.5-year-old yellow Labrador retriever mix, has joined the Centre County District Attorney's staff as a courthouse comfort dog.

"It has been a long process of training and work of many committed people to bring this valuable addition to our office," the DA's office stated in a news release.

Missie has gone through a comprehensive training program in order to be certified as a courthouse dog after Centre County was chosen by Canine Partners for Life as one of the counties to benefit from their program.

The first phase of training was through a volunteer puppy raiser, who worked with Missie every day. When Missie was ready for her next phase of training, she went to the puppy raising program at SCI Benner, where she learned basic obedience and practiced comfort skills. Missie's career of service began in the state prison system and will continue in Centre County. She returned to CPL's campus for her final training at the end of 2023 and came to the DA's office in June, six months later.

"You may spy Missie on the streets of Bellefonte, in Courtroom One on Wednesdays, at the Child Access Center in Bellefonte and anywhere else survivors and vulnerable community members need support," said District Attorney Bernie Cantorna. "When working in the Centre County Courthouse, Missie is all business. She is a certified courthouse dog, Centre County's second courthouse dog, and a great addition to our staff."

Missie is specially trained to comfort witnesses and victims, typically children, as they navigate what can be an extremely stressful legal process. Her primary handler, or coworker, is Elizabeth Rosenberg from the victim/witness unit. She is supported by Shalane Brownell and Assistant District Attorney Andrew Stover, who will accompany Missie when her primary handler is not available.

"As an attorney and District Attorney, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a Courthouse Dog Program," Cantorna said. "We all know the remarkable ability of our canine friends to provide a calming presence during our most challenging times. Missie will offer a unique sense of comfort which allows survivors and witnesses to tell their stories while being continuously supported."