DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Seven new employees at the DeKalb County Courthouse are leaving their mark on the building. The newest members of the team are bringing the warm and fuzzy to an often cold and difficult job.
The DeKalb County Courthouse looms large over the City of Decatur-- with prosecutors trying the most heinous crimes.
"It's a really tough job, impossible most days," said Deputy Chief of the Homicide and Gang Unit Yolanda Lippert.
She says her job is full of tough conversations, difficult decisions, and cuddles.
"Smiling, laughing, she's got great cuddles. And I can say with certainty that never happens in any other aspect of my job," she said.
The veteran prosecutor shares a special bond with a brand new member of her team-- Yola.
"We happen to share a name. She's a yellow lab. I grew up with yellow labs," said Lippert.
Yola is one of seven new therapy dogs being sworn in for duty at the court.
The DeKalb County Courthouse is the first in the state to welcome therapy dogs through its doors.
The dogs help comfort staff members and also sit with crime victims during forensic interviews.
"They seem to know when the person has that need. And they'll snuggle or put their head in their lap, get closer. And I think it means a whole lot to them," said handler Terry Ehart.
Ehart knows the dogs meant a lot to her.
Her sister was murdered in 1975. The victim advocates at the court got her through it.
"I thought this was a terrific way for me to pay it forward. To have my dog love on someone who was having a really hard time," said Ehart.
The dogs' soft touch-- smoothing the hard edges of the court.
"It's an honor to do it and a privilege to do it," she said.
The seven dogs were sworn into the court to serve the people of DeKalb County, raising their paws for duty.
The court is partnering with CAREing Paws for a Courthouse Therapy Dog program to provide a compassionate way to help traumatized victims and witnesses during their involvement with the criminal justice system.
The dogs will help victims, particularly children who are often frightened or intimidated by the court process, to feel calm and safe during stressful interviews, court preparation, and testimony in court, according to the program's objectives.
"It's moments where you can let that stress and let that weight go," said Lippert.
The dogs are on duty now -- sitting with victims and encouraging staff members at the court.
DA Sherri Boston says their contributions are invaluable -- so much so -- that they all got their own special badges to get in the front doors.
Meet the entire 'Paw Patrol'
Photos | New therapy dogs sworn in
For more information on the CAREing Paws program, click here.