Centre Co.- On Friday, the Centre County District Attorney’s Office introduced the newest member of their staff.
“We are pleased to announce that “Missie” a 2 ½ year old yellow labrador retriever mix will join our staff as a courthouse comfort dog,” said District Attorney Bernie Cantorna.
It has been a long process of training and work of many committed people to bring this valuable addition to our office.
Missie has gone through a comprehensive training program in order to be certified as a courthouse dog. We were lucky enough to be chosen by K9 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 did not go very far from the Centre County Courthouse. She went to the puppy raising program at SCI Benner, just down the road. She learned basic obedience and practiced comfort skills. Missie’s career of service began in our state prison system and will continue now here in Centre County. She returned to CPL’s campus for her final training at the end of 2023 and we were lucky enough to have her come to us in June, 6 months later.
“You may spy Missie on the streets of Bellefonte, in Courtroom #1 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 our 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,” said Cantorna. “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.”