Simba The Lab To Provide Comfort To Kids In Court

VERNON HILLS, IL — While the name Simba might remind most of us of a beloved cartoon lion, kids at the Depke Juvenile Justice Complex will meet another Simba whose purpose is to comfort them. The 2-year-old Labrador retriever is assigned to the guardian ad litem office, which advocates for kids' best interests.

What's more is that Simba is the first dog in the U.S. to be assigned to a county public defender's office, the office said in a press release.

Simba has one mission, and it's a lucky one. "His job is to be petted," said Kathy Gordon, an assistant public defender and guardian ad litem, according to the Daily Herald. She'll be Simba's main handler.

Simba "will provide comfort, compassion and companionship to children involved in abuse, neglect and dependency cases. He will share his same empathetic energy in any Public Defender case where his special presence is needed," the release said.

Private source donations and sponsorships will provide funds to take care of Simba. Solid Gold Dog Food of St. Louis, Missouri is providing food for the comfort pup and veterinarian Dr. Derek Williamson in Vernon Hills will oversee his health.

See the press release here.

Article images via Lake County Public Defender's Office