WAUKESHA, Wis.— The Waukesha County District Attorney’s office has a new staff member, that just so happens to have four legs.

This past year the victim assistance program has brought on a facility dog to help victims in need during their time in the courts.

It’s not everyday you see a dog at the office, but when you do it’s usually a good day. Or at least that’s the goal with Pepper, a trained service dog at the Waukesha County Courthouse.

Jennifer Dunn is the director of victim services for the Waukesha District Attorneys office. She’s been in the position for nearly 25 years and provides victim services. She’s  the one who has led the charge in the facility dog program and finally got Pepper in December of 2020.

“I knew it would be great. But it’s so much greater than we could have even imagined,” Dunn says.

Pepper’s job is to break barriers and provide a sense of comfort to victims who are within the court system.

“It just illustrates to me that we have met the goal— the goal of making this place not such a scary experience for children and adults when they come in,” Dunn says.

In her few months on the job, Pepper has already impacted many victims throughout the courthouse. She’s helped young children in sexual assault cases and adults in domestic violence cases.

“She’s already met with a number of victims and witnesses and it’s just been really gratifying to see the change in their body language and expression and their demeanor when Pepper comes into the room,” Dunn says.

Although Dunn is an expert in her field, she says what Pepper brings to the table is more than she could ever do for a victim.

“Nothing that I can provide that matches what the dog can provide. As much as I like to think I have a lot of information and resources and ways to help, it’s just a completely different relationship,” Dunn says.

Pepper is able to provide comfort, break down walls and make it a smoother process for victims who may meet Pepper on one of their worst days. Her goal, is to always make things better.