Canine Classmates provides the Comal County Criminal District Attorney’s Office with emotional support court dogs, who accompany vulnerable, anxious, and traumatized victims who are preparing to testify and are testifying in court in criminal matters. 

Canine Classmates, Sgt. Gander and Justice are available to victims and accompany them in preparation for trial, and before and immediately following courtroom testimony. The court dogs remain by the victim and their family’s side, at their own will, and bring a sense of peace and calmness to people of all ages who have experienced horribly traumatic situations and are forced to relive those traumatic experiences with strangers. These dogs provide unconditional acceptance and love and provide a sense of safety to those who have experienced trauma, such as physical or sexual assault or abuse. It is visible when witnessing the interaction between Sgt. Gander or Justice and a victim, whom they will instinctively gravitate to, showing their empathetic instinct and reading the victim’s sadness, anger, fear, and anxiety.