A comfort canine who worked for the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office at the Lake County Courthouse has died as officials say he helped thousands and was “truly one of a kind.”
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office said Tuesday it was “saddened” to announce the passing of Hitch, the office’s “beloved” facility dog, who died on Saturday.
Hitch, who was born on May 3, 2014, joined the state’s attorney’s office in 2016 after completing specialized facility dog training through Duo Dogs, Inc. in St. Louis.
He was two years old when he began his service and served the people of Lake County until his retirement on April 30, 2024.
Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Director of Communications Sara Avalos said facility dogs play an important role in the justice system by helping reduce stress and anxiety for victims and others participating in court proceedings.
Hitch “exemplified that mission” every day he came to work, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encountered, Avalos said.
Hitch provided comfort and emotional support to crime victims, participants in the 19th Judicial Circuit Court’s Specialty Courts, including Veterans Court, Mental Health Court and Drug Court, and many others who walked through the Lake County Courthouse.
He worked alongside his primary handler, Victim Specialist Jenna Melloy, as well as Suzanne Willett, Beth Prager and Judge Sharmila Manak.
“Hitch was truly one-of-a-kind and getting to see the impact he made both inside and outside of the courtroom is something I will cherish forever,” Jenna Melloy said.
“His remarkable ability to bring comfort to even the most difficult situations was his superpower. Every morning, Hitch was eager to put on his vest and come into work ready to spend the day with his many friends throughout the County Building,” Melloy said.
Melloy said Hitch enjoyed many naps in the sun, a few vacations and quality time with her family during his retirement. “Hitch never met a person (or a treat) he did not love and knowing he felt so much love in return brings us comfort.”
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said Hitch was a “wonderful friend and partner to so many people in this office.”
“He helped thousands of children and adults who were experiencing trauma. He is now part of this office’s rich history of connecting those in need with the support of our canine friends. He will be greatly missed by all the people inside and outside of the office whose lives he made better,” Rinehart said.
Avalos said Hitch was surrounded by the love of his family, friends and colleagues throughout his years of service, during his retirement and until the end. “He spent his final day receiving plenty of love and, of course, lots of treats.”
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office said it extends its gratitude to Duo Dogs, Inc. for training Hitch and making his years of service possible.