SEATTLE — Errol, a 12-year-old courthouse dog who has spent the past decade providing emotional support to crime survivors and witnesses in King County, retired Tuesday after his final official day of service.
Errol began working with prosecutors on the fifth floor of the King County Courthouse when he was just 2 years old. Over his 10-year career, he became an essential presence during difficult legal proceedings, offering comfort to vulnerable witnesses testifying in traumatic cases.
“I just think we’re all feeling a little nostalgic and a little sad, and also just honored to have had this time with him,” said Page Ulrey, a senior deputy prosecuting attorney.
Among Errol’s most significant contributions was helping a young boy named Malachi testify in court after his mother, Lindsay, was killed by an intoxicated driver. The child had witnessed the crash’s aftermath but was too traumatized to speak to prosecutors about the incident. Errol sat beside Malachi during the court proceedings, providing the emotional support that enabled him to testify. The case ultimately ended in a conviction.
The dog also comforted the family of Brent Arancio, an Army veteran who was killed by a robber, leaving behind young sons. Arancio’s widow, Tami, described the profound impact Errol had on her children.
“To where a dog is able to make a child who lost his dad to murder feel like something in this world is okay, to me that is huge,” she said.
The King County Council honored Errol’s service with a ceremony Tuesday, issuing a special proclamation for the canine.
“He’s done so much work individually with different people on so many different levels, and to have that be honored by the county is just really wonderful,” Ulrey said.
The prosecuting attorney’s office said it is working on a plan for the next courthouse dog to continue Errol’s legacy of service.
트위터 공유: 킹 카운티 법원견 은퇴 10년의 위로와 희망