Md. Court Clerk Takes Dog to Work

When Margaret Rappaport is busy working at the Howard County Circuit Court, so is her three-pound dog.

Rappaport, the Maryland court's clerk for 18 years, takes Shayna Madel, a 4-year-old Yorkshire Terrier with her everywhere, including her job at the Ellicott City courthouse, reports the Howard County Times. The dog travels the courthouse with Rappaport in a purse-like pet carrier, and doesn't bark, the clerk says.

The Yorkie has a calming effect on children upset by family court matters. (Rappaport will ask a tearful child to step into her office to see the tiny dog.) Plus, Shayna Madel—the name means "pretty girl" in Hebrew—is popular with numerous adults, including at least one judge who regularly visits the clerk's office to greet her.

"Just like there are instances of nursing homes and hospitals allowing pets in the workplace, I think pets can reduce employee stress and blood pressure and maybe even impact morale," says Wayne Kirwan of the Howard County State's Attorney's Office.

Hat tip: Court-o-rama.

Corrected at 9:50 a.m. Jan. 13 to correct the spelling of Shayna Madel.