"Broward Circuit Judge Susan Lebow keeps brownies and tissues in her chambers to soothe children who have had run-ins with the law, or young witnesses who have endured sexual assaults, abuse or other horrors.
"And since July, she also has kept a supply of dog biscuits handy because of the 17th Judicial Circuit's pilot therapy dog program....
"[The dog] makes them feel safe," Lebow said Thursday about the program that she and other child advocates say help anxious children testify. "It's doggie magic."
"The practice of having dogs for children in court is growing, but not without challenges. At least three of Florida's 20 circuit courts are using pet therapy dogs. State law says they must comply with national certification standards, though such guidelines aren't defined in the statute....
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