Meet “Hufflepuff,” the courthouse’s roaming therapy dog

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — He’s known as “America’s sweetest, most laid-back dog,” and he could be coming to a city near you.

Meet “Hufflepuff,” a certified therapy and court dog who is set to embark on a nationwide promotional tour starting July 15.

Courtroom Critters is a non-profit organization that trains therapy dogs to become certified courtroom dogs like Hufflepuff.

They said certified hearing dogs help victims, survivors and witnesses by reducing stress, anxiety and creating a more comfortable environment for people to express themselves in court, especially if they have experienced trauma.

Courtroom Critters said Hufflepuff is a perfect example of what a certified courtroom dog is capable of.

But Hufflepuff isn’t the only one who undergoes professional training. Owners and trainers do as well, and undergo extensive training in legal procedures and how to deal with victims of traumatic crimes.

“We want caseworkers to know what they’re going to see and hear, and we want them to be compassionate. It’s also important that they maintain their mental health during these extremely traumatic cases,” said Stephani Preston Loffredo, founder of Courtroom Critters.

Among the Courtroom Critters team are head trainer Janet Edberg, a certified member of the American Kennel Club, and trainer Darlene Barzideh, who works with children and teaches classes on how to approach a dog.

In 2021, the American Bar Association approved Resolution 101A, which urges federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal courts to allow specially trained service dogs in the courtroom to assist victims and witnesses during legal proceedings.

The resolution also emphasizes the welfare of dogs like Hufflepuff.

“These dogs work long hours and absorb much of the stress and negative energy from victims/witnesses,” the resolution states.

But despite the resolution’s approval, Courtroom Critters said there is still much debate over getting full access to the courtroom for certified hearing dogs.

It is here that Hufflepuff and his handlers hope to bridge the gap by traveling the country to share stories, skills and to educate the public about the world of therapy dogs.