Coming soon to the Douglas County courthouse a new four-legged friend, like this one, and he doesn't come cheap.

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Don Kleine, Douglas County Attorney: “He costs $50,000 it's not a pet. 

No, Trio is what's known as a facility dog, dogs that are showing up more and more in courthouses nationwide.

Jean Brazda, Sarpy County Attorney’s Office: He’s very much on his schedule. He knows over 38 different commands. He even has a command to go to the bathroom, so we had to leave during this board meeting because his 10:00 schedule is to go to the bathroom. Only about 40 percent of the dogs that go through their training actually graduate. When we talk about facility dogs we get the best of the best.”

And if need be, the quietest of the quiet.

Joe Jordan, NCN: “Does he bark?”

Jean Brazda: “He only barks at his crazy boxer brother. When his brother's like being a little bit too rough and yes he'll bark at that, but no other time.

Don Kleine: It’s here to help kind of calm children, victims of crime.”

Joe Jordan, NCN: “But the dogs come with some controversy. According to at least one national study, with the dogs in effect taking the side of the so-called victims defense attorneys are worried that with dogs in the courtroom juries are more likely to convict their clients.

Trio works in Sarpy County his Douglas County counterpart is starting soon paid through a grant, no tax dollars. And just in case.

Jean Brazda: “Trio comes with $1,000,000 insurance policy. If danger comes my way, he is going to hide behind me. He is not going to be that aggressive dog. He would never be aggressive towards anybody.”