You could say the cat’s out of the bag at the City of Greer Municipal Court.
“This is Hank. He is named after Judge Mims,” Clerk of Court Kirsten Pressley said.
Hank lives at the court, and has free roam everywhere except the actual courtroom.
“He lives here 24 seven I have employees here almost 24 hours a day Monday through Friday,” Pressley said.
It was an effort by the court staff to bring something positive into their workplace.
“We went to Greenville County animal care in October, intending to adopt a black cat because they are the least adopted,” Pressley said.
The court staff pays for Hank’s food, toys, and care out of their own pockets.
“We take care of him whether it’s vet visits or food or treats everybody’s got a blanket and a box of treats on their desk for him,” Pressley said.
And Hank takes care of them right back.
“He seems to know when somebody’s having a bad day and that’s the desk he’ll perch on,” Pressley said.
He’s also able to ease tensions when someone is paying a ticket.
“Hank will sit on the front counter on court days and he’s almost a good distraction because people get so enthralled with him that they don’t complain about what they’re having to pay,” Pressley said.
And has even helped in more serious situations.
“We’ve had a victim who is very upset that he was able to calm down. She was a stalking victim,” Pressley said.
Simply by offering a calming presence.
“She said that he made the entire ordeal a little easier to handle here and she was very appreciative,” Pressley said.
Making Hank the first known victim advo-cat in Greer. Something the court staff thinks should be the norm.
“I think every business should have one. Hes’ a great addition to our team,” Pressley said.