Taree court support therapy dog Dimitri and handler Ciara Knox spread joy

A terrifying courtroom experience 20 years ago and a natural affinity for dogs has inspired one woman to team up with this playful pooch for one of the “best ever” initiatives.

A terrifying courtroom experience 20 years ago and a natural affinity for dogs inspired Taree woman Ciara Knox to team up with loveable black lab Dimitri for one of the “best ever” initiatives in NSW.

The playful pooch is an immediate ice breaker – something positive to focus on – in what is generally a stressful situation for most people involved.

From witnesses waiting to give evidence in a trial to those facing sentencing, he’s the ultimate leveller.

That’s why Taree court registrar Anthony King claims that - in his 35 years of experience in and around court rooms - the Canine Court Companion Program is the best initiative he’s ever come across.

“He doesn’t distinguish between one person or the next - he shares his black pixie dust (he’s a bit of a shedder) with everyone,” Mr King said.

“He’s the most important member of the team, the loveable dork.”

Ciara Knox and Dimitri the therapy dog are a calming presence at Taree Court House. Picture: Janine Watson.

When Ciara first heard about the program in 2020 she knew she wanted to get involved.

“Having been required to give evidence in a criminal case many years ago, and knowing how overwhelmed I had felt at the time, I immediately knew I wanted to be part of it,” she said.

The program is operated by Guide Dogs Australia and Dimitri’s early training was as a guide dog for those with low vision, but as he approached his second birthday it soon became apparent he was more suited as a therapy dog.

“He doesn’t really have the stamina - he’s more into sleeping and smooching,” Ciara laughed.

Dimitri is now four years old and has been visiting Taree court since 2022.

Dimitri with Ciaia Knox at Taree court. Picture: Janine Watson.

“He has come to be quite at home in the court house.

“When he’s not lapping up the pats and cuddles he manages to make people smile with his antics while trying to elicit treats out of the court staff, which always gets a few laughs.”

She’s had some amazing interactions with people at court over the years and says Dimitri can sense when people are upset and has been known to single them out.

“He has such a calming effect on people, once there was a very frustrated gentleman, who after an outburst came and sat on the floor to pat him and a few minutes later he turned around and apologised to everyone.”

Ciara Knox and Dimitri high five at Taree Court House. Picture: Janine Watson.

One of her most memorable experiences was with a young boy who lives with autism and his mother had approached Ciara to say he was scared of dogs so she made sure to steer clear.

“But to everyone’s surprise he pointed to Dimitri and called out ‘pat’.
“His mum said he had never patted a dog before, but after a few pats he was confident enough to give Dimitri some treats in exchange for high 5s - he was so proud of himself. It was a pretty special moment.”

Ciara says she has no plans of retiring and Dimitri wouldn’t let her even if she wanted to.

“He just loves it and gets so excited and starts wagging his tail as soon as he sees me get his orange vest out.

“I can’t see us stopping any time soon.”

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Originally published as Taree court support therapy dog Dimitri and handler Ciara Knox spread joy