From 2015 through 2018, Louise was extensively engaged in prosecuting sex crimes, especially crimes against children. She quickly saw the anxiety and turmoil a child can feel in the surroundings of a court proceeding. Yet, Louise knows a child’s testimony can be profound in such cases.

To lessen this anxiety Louise began to bring her family’s three-legged adopted dog to interviews with the children. Witnessing the impact on the children, Louise obtained permission to bring Diesel, a lab-golden cross and trained service dog, into the witness holding area to help these witnesses with their stress. Diesel was such a success he is now brought into the actual courtroom in other criminal cases.

Louise was Diesel’s primary handler from the outset, and Diesel now lives with Louise and her family. It’s a heart- warming story, but the practical impact is that it gives victims and witnesses a sense of comfort in an untenable and strange environment, the courtroom.

Louise and Diesel didn’t stop at the courthouse…

Diesel did not stop at the courtroom, because Louise saw the success of Diesel’s calming presence. After working with Diesel in the courtroom, Louise took her experience to the Louisiana Legislature. She wrote and lobbied for the passage of the Duvall Law which allows for specifically trained dogs during jury trials with children or protected witnesses and allows for their use with justified adults.