Courthouse Facility Dogs

Marcie Davis on Pet Life Radio

Don’t miss this powerful episode of Working Like Dogs on Pet Life Radio featuring Felicia Ako and Celeste Walsen from the Courthouse Dogs Foundation.  Hosts Marcie and her amazing service dog, Fenway, sit down with Felicia and Celeste to explore how their groundbreaking nonprofit partners with facility dog handlers to support children and other vulnerable victims of crime. With heart and expertise, they share how these specially trained dogs provide comfort and a sense of safety to those navigating the justice system—not just in the U.S., but around the globe. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the healing power of dogs and the critical role they play in the courtroom.

Listen to Episode #194 Now:

BIO:


Celeste Walsen     

Celeste works with criminal justice facilities to teach staff members the practicalities of using highly trained dogs in victim/witness support programs.  As Executive Director of Courthouse Dogs, Dr. Walsen is currently working to develop nationally recognized guidelines that will equip victim advocates, forensic interviewers, prosecuting attorneys, and other legal professionals to effectively employ dogs to provide support for vulnerable people of all ages. Dr. Walsen holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California Berkeley and a DVM from Louisiana State University.

Felicia Ako

Felicia joins Courthouse Dogs Foundation (CDF), after spending 20+ years leading people, strategy, operations, and program delivery across a diverse slate of companies including AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile, Expedia, Starbucks, and BECU credit union. She’s a human-first, empathetic people leader focused on building a strong organizational structure, a secure financial foundation, and a focused vision and strategic plan to deliver on the imperative CDF mission.

Having grown up with dogs and having them in her life since childhood, she saw the incredible value professionally trained courthouse dogs could play in alleviating trauma and stress in adults and children navigating the judicial process.

Transcript: