‘Impacted so many’: Tucson courthouse dog dies at 14, after providing 12 years of comfort

A support dog who provided comfort to victims of crime and others at a southern Arizona courthouse died in early March.

On Tuesday, the Pima County Attorney’s Office announced Blake, a black Labrador Retriever who worked as a support animal at the courthouse, had been humanely euthanized at the age of 14.

Blake, starting when he was only 2 years old, began an over 12-year career as a support animal for PCAO.

He provided comfort to victims tied to the most sensitive of cases, such as child sex abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and homicide.

PCAO paid tribute to Blake with a video celebrating the life and story behind his gentle smile.

“Blake was among the first courthouse dogs to work at PCAO, where he comforted victims – especially children going through the difficult process of testifying in open court,” read a Facebook post announcing his passing.

The announcement added that Blake was also the onsite support animal to visit PCAO staff and provide a break from the stress of the courthouse.

“We are grateful for all of the important and wonderful work that Blake and his fellow courthouse dogs do in support of crime victims in Pima County, as well as for the trainers and handlers who work to make them a special part of our community,” added the post.

Blake supported many, all alongside Colleen Phelan, former PCAO victim services advocate.

“Blake impacted so many people in Tucson and Pima County,” Phelan wrote on social platform LinkedIn.

Reach reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@gannett.com. Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ.

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