About Us
About Us
We are the Silent Support.
Courtroom Critters provides specially trained canine teams to support individuals in the courtroom and those affected by traumatic crime, anxiety, and PTSD. We also assist through partnerships with law enforcement, resiliency centers, attorneys, shelters, and other community resources.
We offer quiet, non-intrusive support. We do not provide legal or counseling advice—our role is to help individuals navigate difficult moments.
Our dogs complete multiple levels of training, from the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen program to our advanced Courtroom Canine certification, ensuring they are prepared for the courtroom environment.
SILENT SUPPRT
Silent Support is one of the most game-changing influences today. When words fail, the nonjudgmental presence of a therapy dog or courtroom canine helps individuals reduce stress and find their voice in the courtroom. Silent Support is also transforming lives beyond the justice system, helping people experiencing suicidal thoughts rediscover their value and purpose.
How it all began.
As a retired police officer, Stephani Preston Loffredo felt compelled to focus her volunteer efforts on aiding victims. She started incorporating dogs into the law enforcement field to help victims speak about their situation. Stephani's first dog, Tyler Blaze, had that perfect demeanor which helped victims, survivors and witnesses of traumatic crime tell their story in the courtroom.
Tyler Blaze now has wings, and Hufflepuff has taken over with his charming demeanor and unique smile.
Hufflepuff now leads the pack of Therapy Courtroom Dogs, and sets an exemplary standard for others to follow.
Stephani's initiative elevates Therapy Dogs to the role of Courtroom Dogs, a crucial distinction that requires exceptional empathy. "Courtroom Dogs are a rare gift, requiring a level of empathy beyond the ordinary," Stephani explains.
Together with dog trainers Janet and Darlene, Stephani founded Courtroom Critters, now a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. Their mission is to fulfill as many requests as possible, bridging the gap between therapy and courtroom support.
While their primary focus is courtroom assistance, Courtroom Critters boasts over 40 Comfort Critters ready to spread joy and compassion in schools, universities, businesses, and medical facilities.
A well-trained, certified therapy dog is truly incomparable.
