Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke Swears in New Support Dog to Serve Victims at Domestic Violence Courthouse
Ruthie, a two-year-old golden retriever, joins the CCSAO’s Special Victims Bureau to support victims of domestic violence and abuse
CHICAGO – Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke on Monday administered the oath of office to the newest member of her staff: a two-year-old golden retriever named Ruthie. Ruthie, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office’s (CCSAO) second court dog, will be based at 555 W. Harrison, the Domestic Violence Courthouse, to support victims and witnesses of crime as they meet with prosecutors.
Ruthie is specially trained to provide comfort and relieve stress for individuals who have experienced trauma. Many of the victims and witnesses who come to the Domestic Violence Courthouse have cases handled by the CCSAO’s Special Victims Bureau, a division that prosecutes sensitive crimes such as domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
Expanding the CCSAO’s court dog program advances one of SA Burke’s chief priorities — combatting the rising trend of domestic violence and providing support for those most directly traumatized by crime and abuse.
“The victims we serve display tremendous courage when they come to court and must face their abusers,” State's Attorney Burke said. “Adding Ruthie to our team reflects our trauma-informed approach to prosecution, providing comfort and support to victims during some of the most difficult experiences of their lives. To hold offenders accountable and keep our communities safe, we must ensure victims feel supported, empowered, and able to participate in the justice process.”
CCSAO Investigator, Sgt. Eileen McDermott will serve as Ruthie’s primary handler. In addition to being available during meetings with prosecutors, Ruthie can greet victims at the building’s entrance to provide comfort on trial day and escort them as they navigate the courthouse.
Ruthie comes to the CCSAO after completing rigorous training through Healing Hearts Service Dogs, a nonprofit based in Tinley Park that raises and trains working dogs to comfort individuals experiencing trauma, stress, and physical and emotional uncertainty in their lives. Since 2023, Healing Hearts has certified 65 Therapy Dog Teams, graduated 18 Facility Dogs into new jobs, and made over 1,400 therapy visits.
Also joining Ruthie at her swearing in ceremony on Monday was the CCSAO’s first court dog, eight-year-old Hatty. Hatty, a Labrador retriever, has been based at the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse since 2019. Throughout her tenure, Hatty has supported and provided comfort to over 200 victims and witnesses during trials, court hearings, sentencings, and meetings with prosecutors related to sexual abuse and violent crime over her seven-year career.
Ruthie’s addition to the CCSAO builds on SA Burke’s sustained efforts to combat domestic violence and support victims. Shortly after assuming office, SA Burke created the Special Victims Bureau to better handle such cases and has begun a vertical prosecution model to ensure that victims receive consistent representation and support through each step of the court process. In June, SA Burke created the Victim Services Bureau, bolstering internal resources to provide victims and witnesses with individualized and trauma-informed support as their cases progress through the courts.
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