St. Louis County Attorney’s Office Introduces Yonkers, New Courthouse Facility Dog

Currently, there are seven other courthouse facility dog programs in the state, supporting various county attorney offices, law enforcement, and child-focused medical programs. Yonkers, a Labrador retriever trained by the Minnesota-based nonprofit Can Do Canines, joined the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office in May. He operates under the guidance of his primary handler, assistant St. Louis County attorney Jackie Primeau, and secondary handler George Olson, who is the victim/witness services coordinator.

St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki emphasized the challenges that victims and witnesses face during legal proceedings, stating that while their responsibilities cannot be removed, the office strives to provide support. Yonkers is trained to offer a calming presence during meetings and court preparations, having already participated in court proceedings while continuing his acclimation to the courthouse environment.

Maki clarified that Yonkers' role is to support individuals without influencing the outcomes of cases, asserting, "His presence does not tell us whether someone is truthful or credible, and it does not change anyone’s legal rights."

The use of Yonkers is tailored to individual preferences, considering factors like allergies and personal comfort levels. Courtroom use will also depend on case-specific circumstances and court authority.

Primeau became acquainted with courthouse facility dogs during her tenure as a judicial law clerk in Stearns County, where she observed a facility dog named Nova. Upon joining the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, Primeau sought to establish a similar program locally. The office applied for Yonkers in March 2025, and after completing the necessary processes, the pair was matched and began their work together in May 2026.

Can Do Canines is accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI), and the Courthouse Dogs Foundation mandates that courthouse facility dogs must graduate from ADI-accredited programs and work with trained legal professionals. Yonkers has undergone rigorous training and received team skills certification in August. He has mastered about 60 commands, exhibiting a calm demeanor essential for his supportive role.

In St. Louis County courtrooms, Yonkers has been trained to navigate various surroundings, including witness areas and equipment noise. Primeau noted that when not in his working cape, Yonkers behaves like a typical Labrador, comparing his dual identity to Clark Kent and Superman.

Additionally, the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office has announced funding for four ballistic protective vests for law enforcement K-9 teams in the area, celebrating Yonkers' arrival and recognizing the contributions of working dogs to public safety. Two vests will be allocated for St. Louis County Sheriff K-9 teams, with one vest each for the Duluth Police Department and the Virginia Police Department. These vests aim to provide extra protection for K-9s operating in potentially hazardous environments.