CLAYTON, Missouri -- Sophie, a mutt of a dog with draping ears and dotted brows, is helping people in St. Louis County court tell stories of crime to judges, investigators and attorneys.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Sophie is the region's first court therapy dog and one of only three known to be working in Missouri. She has been part of St. Louis County courts since October.
Sophie does her best work lying at the feet of children, many of whom are in court to discuss sexual assault by other youths, often relatives or family friends. The children can reach down and pet Sophie when they need to.
Detractors of therapy dogs in court say the animals can prejudice the court in favor of the defendant.
