All rise for the Lake County Courthouse's newest employee: Desi the dog

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Courthouses can often be stressful places to be, but a new hire in Lake County has been tasked with making the experience a bit more pleasant.

“You can literally see the stress melt off of people when Desi’s in the room,” said Judge Michael Nerheim.

Desi is a 1-year-old poodle who was raised, trained and donated to Lake County’s 19th Circuit Courthouse by Canines 4 Comfort in Round Lake.

Nerheim said she’s now one of the only designated courthouse dogs in the state.

“It is unique, but hopefully it’s something that’s growing across the country as people see the value in it,” he said.

He said that value is hard to explain.

“Wanted to make sure that we had Desi here to help people, whether it be a juror, somebody that’s maybe charged with an offense, a family member, a victim, a family member of a victim — you name it,” he said.

Desi only joined the courthouse two weeks ago, but Nerheim told WBBM that she’s made an immediate impact.

“You could just see people: frowns turn to smiles, and people want to pet her and get down on the floor with her,” he said.

In a press release, Chief Judge Daniel Shanes said Desi’s job is to “provide support and affection.” Nerheim said her training has also helped those behind the bench.

“Every day we’re hearing some stressful and emotional things, and she’s been just as much of a help for us here in the building [as] the people that come in here,” he said.

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