Canine Advocates

05/21/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share this news today. Harper, our beloved Canine Advocate, was at home late Friday afternoon, playing in the yard. She dropped to the ground suddenly, and while her family performed CPR for several minutes, Harper didn't make it.

We are heartbroken for everyone at CARE House who loved and sought comfort from Harper. She was a joy to watch as she worked with the children who needed her. Harper helped so many people, including our team members and volunteers.

We are forever grateful for her hard work and dedication to our mission. While Harper can never be replaced, we understand the importance of having a Canine Advocate on site at CARE House. The comfort and healing that these dogs bring is paramount to our mission. We are committed to the Canine Advocates program and will continue to expand, bringing more joy and solace to children in Harper's honor.

Thank you, Harper, for giving us your smiles, your cuddles and your love over the past three years. You truly made a difference in our lives and we will miss you terribly.

03/20/2025

Thanks to Somerset Veterinary Hospital, Canine Advocate Harper now has a year's worth of Heartgard and Nexgard! We're thrilled to have received this generous donation in support of Harper's health. Thank you to Somerset Veterinary Hospital for all their care!

02/06/2025

Thanks to PBS Michiana - WNIT for featuring sweet Belle at the Cass County Prosecutor's Office!

08/24/2024

I am sad to announce that Reagan Canine has passed away due to a short illness.

Reagan was my original K9 advocate when he came on board in December 2013. My investigator Bryan Seratt has been his handler and caregiver since that time. Reagan was the fifth K9 advocate from across the state.

Reagan came to work every day with one goal in mind. Help victims. Reagan especially worked with kids. Reagan would sit with the kids when they had to testify. He was the child's support system when they had to relive those traumatic events. Reagan got to go home at night and be with Bryan and his family.

I always said Reagan was my best employee. He only requested food as payment and was always happy to see his fellow employees, other employees in the court, and of course the witnesses and victims who came to our office. He never acted like he had a bad day. Of course he was also my only employee that I let sleep on the job. He was a pro at that as well.

Please take a moment to remember our Reagan, and please keep his best friend, Bryan in your thoughts.

RIP Reagan 3/19/12 to 8/23/24

04/22/2024

Welcome to the pack, Basil! 🌱
Our newest Canine Advocate, Basil will be placed at Ingham County Prosecutor's Office. Basil has completed her training and is officially certified as a Canine Advocate! She is sweet as can be, with big, beautiful eyes and a darling disposition. Join us in welcoming Basil to the Canine Advocates family!

01/13/2024

ST. JOSEPH — As 18-month-old Zoey playfully runs up and down the hallways in the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office, a 10-year-old Mr. Weeber snubs her, and finds a quiet place

12/12/2023

Welcome to the pack, Zoey!
Our newest Canine Advocate, Zoey, will be placed at Berrien County Prosecutor's Office. She'll be stepping in for Mr. Weeber, who is retiring in early 2024. Zoey will begin her official training in early 2024. Join us in welcoming Zoey to the Canine Advocates family!

10/27/2023

We are thrilled to share a remarkable success story about one of our incredible dogs! Meet Jellybean, a career-changed hero, who has found a new calling as a Victim Advocate at the Wayne County, Michigan Prosecutor's Office.

This touching article underscores how our dogs, while not serving as guide dogs, often discover a perfect fit in other noble careers. Jellybean's transition from our program to becoming a source of comfort and support in the justice system is truly inspiring.

We are incredibly proud of Jellybean and all our career-changed dogs, demonstrating that their love, dedication, and compassion can make a significant impact in countless lives. 🐕

Read more about Jellybean's extraordinary journey in this article: https://www.pressandguide.com/2023/10/03/wayne-county-prosecutors-office-has-new-victim-advocate-jellybean-the-canine/

Photo description: A black Labrador retriever wearing a red collar and a light blue bandana is lying on the floor of a courtroom with light brown wood paneling behind it and its two front paws up on a silver bar just above the floor.

10/02/2023

Did you see Jellybean on the news today??
Wayne County Canine Advocate, Jellybean, is on Fox2 Detroit! Click the link below to read all about Jellybean and the incredible work she does at the Wayne County Prosecutor's office. We're so thrilled to see one of our Canine Advocates in the news!

10/02/2023

09/07/2023

🎉 Thank You, Dan!!! 🎉
Yesterday, we celebrated the retirement of our friend and colleague, Dan Cojanu. Dan worked tirelessly for years to get the Canine Advocates program off the ground. With his guidance, nearly 50 dogs have been placed at Child Advocacy Centers, Prosecutors Offices, and Courthouses across Michigan (and one in Ohio!) Through Dan's hard work, diligence, and heart, he has helped change the lives of thousands of children. Dan, we will miss you dearly! We hope you'll stop by to see Harper and your friends at CARE House every now and then. Bon voyage! ❤

08/26/2023