Keeping calm in the courtroom and advocating for change

Pets have always held a special place in the life of Consultant Shauna Clark. 

“I grew up in foster care, and my pets were like my family,” she said.  

When Shauna met Krystal and Phil Emery, she was working as a city manager in Los Angeles County. Krystal and Phil, a husband-and-wife team, worked with the city to help community members find their lost animals. 

“People knew they could bring stray dogs to city hall, and we would work with Krystal and Phil to call the owners and reunite them,” Shauna said. “There’s something special about the connection with dogs – they're loyal and always show their appreciation for you.” 

Krystal and Phil went on to launch a therapy program called Pet Prescription Team, where volunteers train their dogs to work with people in hospitals, assisted care facilities and mental health centers.  

Their newest initiative pairs specially trained therapy dogs with children who are asked to testify in court. 

“Many children are too afraid or intimidated to give testimony," Shauna said. “As someone who had to testify as a child, I know what it’s like — it feels like you’re falling into an abyss.” 

The use of “courtroom dogs” has proven to be highly effective — in 2021, the American Bar Association approved Resolution 101A, which urges all jurisdictions to permit a specially trained canine to accompany an anxious or traumatized individual who is testifying in court.  

The Baker Tilly Wishes grant will assist with the program’s transportation costs and will help publicize the need for volunteers.