Judge Kept Comfort Dogs at Chicago Courthouse
Two Bernese mountain dogs now provide stress relief for jurors and staff at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Dogs
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Chief Federal Judge Virginia Kendall maintains two Bernese mountain dogs, Birdie and Ronnie, to assist courthouse employees and visitors. The dogs, which reside on the 25th floor, have been a fixture at the Chicago facility throughout 2026.
Why it matters
The presence of these animals is designed to help lower stress levels and blood pressure for those navigating the intense environment of a federal courthouse. This program gained prominence following the death of an earlier comfort dog, Junebug, in January 2026.
The Courthouse Dogs Foundation tracks 400 facility dogs across 41 states. In Chicago, these dogs are managed directly by Judge Kendall and reside on the 25th floor of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse.
The players
Virginia Kendall
Chief Federal Judge who personally trains and oversees the comfort dog program at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse.
Courthouse Dogs Foundation
A national organization that tracks the use of facility dogs in judicial settings to improve the experience for jurors and witnesses.
The details
Judge Kendall personally trains the dogs, which are kept in chambers or under the bench when not in use. To ensure impartiality and order, the animals are strictly excluded from the courtroom while witnesses are actively testifying. During scheduled court breaks, the judge exercises the dogs on the streets of Chicago.
Timeline
January 2026: Original comfort dog Junebug passed away.
2026: Birdie and Ronnie continue serving as comfort animals at the courthouse.
The Home Front
The use of dogs at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse reflects the growing national adoption of facility dogs as tracked by the Courthouse Dogs Foundation. This practice highlights a shift in judicial support standards intended to reduce anxiety in high-pressure civic spaces.
While you cannot take your own pets into federal buildings, the calm demeanor of trained therapy dogs can be a model for managing high-stress environments at home. Consider researching certified therapy dog training programs if you are interested in how professional canine support functions.
The takeaway
The successful integration of comfort animals shows how intentional support can mitigate stress in public institutions. If you are interested in pet-based stress relief, look into local therapy dog certification groups to learn how these animals are socialized for public service.
Further reading
For more on the benefits of canine companionship, explore our guide on Dogs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGN-TV.
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Do you believe comfort animals should be used in professional settings like courthouses?
