You sit in a strange room without friends or family. Things are not going well and then something wet touches your hand.
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You look down into the eyes of a gentle Labrador named Shawn and your uncertainty eases.
Shawn is a court therapy dog and with two other happy hounds, Toby and Ralph, are part of the Canine Court Companion Program at Nowra Courthouse.
Handlers Adele Butler and Chloe Webster love what Shawn is doing.
The 14-month Shawn loves people of all ages and is doing a great job at the courthouse.
Watch the video to learn about Shawn's role.
Shawn and friends were trained after a successful pilot project held in the Manly Court House.
Local courts in Burwood, Campbelltown, Gosford, Goulburn, Lismore, Manly, Orange, Sutherland, Taree and Nowra all got the support dogs.
CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Dale Cleaver, said the organisation has a growing Pets As Therapy program, with dogs providing companionship and physical comfort to children and adults struggling with challenges beyond sight loss.
"Our dogs are already supporting court users in Manly and I'm looking forward to seeing our dogs soon bring comfort and companionship to court users at other courts throughout NSW," he said.
The good news Guide Dogs NSW/ACT would like more volunteers for the dogs in court program and other roles.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is seeking enthusiastic volunteer Therapy Dog handlers to join the new Canine Court Companion Program at Nowra Courthouse.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is working on the exciting new initiative, with Therapy Dogs set to provide comfort and companionship to court users.
Samantha O'Keeffe, Therapy Dog Coordinator for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT said volunteer handlers will work as a team with a Therapy Dog to help provide support to potent
Read More: All about raising a guide dog
