Obi’s Special Courthouse Visit
By Melissa D’Amato
We received a special request from The Honorable Jordan B. Yeager’s assistant – an 8-year-old girl was being interviewed and they wanted a Roxy team to accompany her. I immediately emailed a few teams (those that previously let me know they would be comfortable going to the courthouse during this pandemic) and multiple teams volunteered!
I want to personally thank all the Courthouse Companionship Program teams for your support and dedication to Roxy Therapy Dogs. While we have not been visiting the children at the courthouse, I know when we come out of this pandemic you will be there for the children again.
Special thanks to Denise Rue and Obi for their visit and more importantly, bringing comfort to a child!
Denise was kind enough to share a picture of Obi outside of the courthouse along with a write-up of their experience.
Obi outside the Courthouse, ready to get to work comforting a child who needs him.
In Denise’s Words
Obi hadn’t been to the courthouse for his monthly Children and Youth Services visits since March when we were shut down due to the pandemic. When Melissa asked for a volunteer to meet with Judge Yeager I knew Obi would love to go — he is one of those guys who loves a job and the last months had ended his Gayman school visits as well.
I walked him around the courthouse a few days ahead of our scheduled meeting just to give him a little refresher.
“I can’t describe how happy and heartwarming this Roxy experience was — it is so gratifying to provide this kind of support to children.”
Obi was all business once we arrived. Greeting everyone with that gentle head wrap on their thigh — for a soft pat. I think folks were happy to have a dog back in the courthouse.
He sat right next to the little 8-year-old girl at the big conference table, putting his head on her lap every now and then. She easily answered the judge’s questions while always having a hand on Obi somewhere. We could see that having him there was comforting for her. Obi stayed there for the full 2-hour session — the Judge kindly asked if Obi was OK to stay and he was — just happy to do his job.
We shared a fluffy puppy and a coloring book and crayons with the child, and when the conference was over we delivered her back to her Mom. Obi was presented with a squeaky stuffed candy cane toy from the little girl - a big hug and kiss and a quick photoshoot by Mom .
I can’t describe how happy and heartwarming this Roxy experience was — it is so gratifying to provide this kind of support to children.