Bannock County gets to meet Salem and his sponsors

Friday afternoon, the Bannock County courthouse held a meet-and-greet for Salem, their new courthouse dog.

Some of the sponsors who helped with costs to help make Salem possible were also announced.

One of the biggest sponsors was the family of Nathan Richardson.

Richardson died from injuries he got during a fight outside the Center Street Clubhouse in June of 2017. After he died, a fundraiser was held in his name.

Stephen Herzog said Richardson was a hunter, he loved dogs and had his own lab dogs. So when the family heard about what the courthouse was trying to do by bringing Salem on board, the family donated money from Nate’s fundraiser.

The family donated $6,000 of the needed $8,000 for Salem’s expenses.

Another $300 was raised in community donations Friday afternoon.

Other sponsors include Alpine Animal Hospital, who is donating veterinary care to Salem, free of charge.

Others include Sam’s Gun Shop, Puerto Vallarta, Bio One, SLT Graphics, Del Monte Meats, and a few other private individuals as well.

Prosecutors said Salem has been a great addition to their staff.

“I think it just changes the tone of a conversation that might be a really difficult conversation between the victim and law enforcement or our office and the victim,” Herzog said. “It just changes the tone a bit and I think makes it a lot easier for people, including myself, to talk about things that need to be talked about.”

Salem knows more than 30 commands and is specially trained to be a courthouse dog. He will be doing some community events as well.

To follow Salem’s adventures in the community, you can follow his own Facebook page at Salem, the Courthouse Dog.