WAUKEGAN, Illinois. – Navigating the court system can be daunting, but at Lake County’s 19th District Court, some of that stress is alleviated by a four-legged specialist and calming presence.

Desi, a well-trained one-year-old Standard Poodle, has officially joined the court team, becoming Illinois’ only court dog.

Desi’s job is to provide comfort to those who feel frightened or overwhelmed by the legal process.

“When you see this little Muppet face first thing in the morning that loves to be petted and is such a quiet, well-behaved girl, I think that changes your attitude as you begin the experience,” says Judge Patricia Fix, Desi’s primary caregiver.

Desi’s presence can make all the difference in emotionally charged situations. Judge Fix recalls a moment when a woman seeking a restraining order was visibly stressed.

“Desi was sitting there and the woman was just petting her and you could see her visibly calm down,” Fix said.

Thanks to a partnership with the nonprofit organization Canines for Comfort, Desi is available at the courthouse Monday through Friday. She interacts with everyone from children to jurors and is trained to help with a variety of tasks to make the courthouse a little less intimidating.

After work, Desi goes home with Judge Fix, who admits that her new role as a dog owner has been a change for her.

“It’s my first dog, so it’s a completely unique experience. She impacts the lives of everyone she comes into contact with, and I think unless you’re a dog owner, you hear it, but you don’t understand it.”