SANDPOINT — Not all heroes wear capes or stand on two feet.  

After almost 10 years of service, Bonner County’s courthouse facility dog Ken will be hanging up his vest and retiring April 25.  

Ken, along with his owner, Peggy Sherbon, director of LilyBrooke Family Justice Center; and facility dog Kona will be moving to California. While Ken enjoys retirement, Sherbon and Kona will be starting another family justice center in San Mateo.  

A “bone voyage” party for Ken, Kona and Peggy will take place today, April 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. at LilyBrooke Family Justice Center.  

Ken began his journey of helping others when he was one-and-a-half years old, where he received training from Canine Companions in Oceanside, Calif. After graduating from team training with Sherbon in August 2015, Ken started his career with Bonner County by assisting victims of crime in the Bonner County prosecutors office.  

The duo became the second facility dog team in Idaho, creating a calm presence for hundreds of children and adults. Ken provided company at interviews, hospitals, crime scenes and courtrooms.  

According to Sherbon, Ken was the “inspiration and driving force” behind the amendment to Idaho Code 19-3023, which allows a facility dog to remain at the witness stand with a child who must testify in court.   

“Ken always knew who needed him and just how to help. I never had to give him commands or place him with anyone; he figured it out all on his own. I respected the fact that Ken knew where he needed to be and that he usually knew more than I did. He picked up on the fact that the person struggling in the room wasn’t always the victim. Sometimes it was Mom or Grandma, sometimes it was the detective or the attorney. I relied on his innate ability to read a room and go where he was needed,” said Sherbon.  

Throughout his career, Ken worked with victims in Kootenai County, Boundary County, Boise, the U.S. Attorney’s office and the FBI as well as in Washington, California and Utah. He also spent time in Bonner County schools with children as they’re taught about safe touch.  

While a major part of Ken’s duties involved supporting victims and their families, Ken was also a part of a multi-disciplinary team, offering love and support to professionals involved in investigating and responding to crimes.  

“I remember one afternoon at LillyBrooke when I was meeting with a detective and a defense attorney to go over some pretty horrific photographic evidence. We were sitting at the dining room table. I remember Ken coming up and putting his head right on the knee of the attorney and how the attorney immediately started petting him while going through the photos,” said Valerie Fenton, senior deputy prosecutor. “Ken has always been that silent, supportive presence. I had watched Ken support children, victims, vulnerable adults, and our staff but this was the first time I think I realized that he truly was there for everyone. He always knew who needed him and went right to them.” 

Kona, new to Bonner County since 2023, has equally been responsible for bringing a comforting presence to both children and adults in need. She has been able to help individuals navigate through difficult times, offering to the table a loving and playful personality. 

The move of Ken and Kona will mean that Bonner County will be without a courthouse facility dog. As of now, the Bonner County Prosecutor’s Office officials said they are exploring options to get a new dog to provide the same support and calmness that both Ken and Kona brought with them.

    Facility dog Ken
  

    Facility dogs Kona (left) and Ken
  

    Facility dog Ken