In many ways, Tuukka the golden retriever is like other beloved family pets. He loves to swim and dig holes in the sand at the beach. He has a collection of stuffed animals. And he will do just about anything for a stick of string cheese.

But Tuukka is more than a beach-loving, cheese-motivated dog—he’s also a working professional with an important role at the Ronald T.Y. Moon Judiciary Courthouse in Kapolei. Since July 2025, Tuukka has been offering calm, comfort, and a touch of joy to children and families navigating the often-intense world of Family Court.

Tuukka, a six-year-old golden retriever, is a registered therapy dog handled by his trainer and owner, Jackie Hugger. Together, the pair visit the courthouse about once a week—usually on Wednesdays—to offer quiet companionship to anyone who may need a moment of relief from the emotional challenges that can come with Family Court cases.

“Emotions often run high, given the very difficult circumstances that bring people to Family Court,” said District Family Court Judge Natasha Shaw. “Tuukka offers a calm and comforting presence for families and children as they face these challenging moments at court. You can see people’s faces immediately change, from whatever they were feeling to pure joy. Tuukka helps create a space where families can feel safe, heard, and supported. His presence is a gentle reminder that compassion belongs everywhere, even at a court.”

A steady presence in stressful moments

Tuukka’s job is simple but powerful. On a typical day, he strolls through the Family Court hallways with Jackie by his side, ready to greet anyone who wishes to say hello. He approaches those who seem open to interaction, never forcing a connection but always inviting one. Sometimes Tuukka sits beside children who are preparing to speak in court—his calm energy helping them settle their nerves. Other times, he simply waits in the hallway, providing comfort to families before or after their hearings.

“We were just at court and there was a little boy waiting with his family,” said Hugger. “He ran right up to Tuukka with a huge smile on his face and started petting him. His parents told me how much he loves dogs and how nice it was that we were there to provide support.”

Hugger recalls another moment when Tuukka comforted three young girls waiting outside a courtroom. “Before the hearing, Tuukka was a welcome distraction—they petted him and asked all about him,” she said. “Afterward, emotions were running high. One of the girls sat on the floor and just hugged Tuukka, whispering loving things into his ear. Moments like that make this work so rewarding.”

Tuukka was named after Finnish NHL goalie Tuukka Rask, the Boston Bruins’ longtime standout whose name means “god of thunder.” But despite the powerful name, the golden retriever is known for his gentle and grounded temperament. Hugger began training Tuukka when he was just a puppy, preparing him for the unpredictable environments therapy dogs often encounter.

“We went to Home Depot a lot when he was young,” Hugger said. “It was a great way to get used to different sounds, floor textures, and the general public. I also exposed him to medical equipment so he’d be comfortable interacting with people with other abilities.”

Tuukka is registered through Pet Partners, one of the nation’s leading therapy animal organizations, which requires retesting every two years to ensure the animal still enjoys and is suited to the work. That part matters deeply to Hugger. “If Tuukka didn’t love it, we wouldn’t be doing it,” she said. “You can tell when it’s a workday because he gets so excited. He doesn’t love car rides, but when I pull out his vest, he jumps up and waits by the door, tail wagging, ready to go.”

Serving beyond the courthouse

Tuukka’s work extends beyond the Judiciary. He and Hugger regularly visit military bases, including the command building at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam and one of the Naval ships stationed at the base. They attend story times at Fort Shafter and Schofield Barracks libraries, visit children at the COVE Child Development Center in Kailua, and make monthly trips to the Kapolei juvenile detention center.

Calm amid the storm

At Family Court in Kapolei, where difficult decisions and emotional conversations often unfold, Tuukka represents something simple: kindness.

As Judge Shaw put it, “Tuukka’s presence reminds us that court is not only a place for legal resolution—it’s also a place for healing. And sometimes, healing begins with a wagging tail and a quiet moment of connection.”