Prosecutor’s office and handler introduce Belle, a canine advocate used with child victims

Cass County prosecutors and staff introduced Belle, a golden retriever who serves as a canine advocate for the prosecutor’s office, and described the dog’s role supporting children and victims in court and advocacy settings.

Amanda Smigo (office manager and canine handler) and a prosecutor’s-office representative explained Belle’s duties and training. Amanda was introduced as the handler and the office representative said Belle has accompanied victims — particularly children who have suffered trauma — to court to provide support and reduce retraumatization. “When bell's introduced, you just see an energy they light up,” the prosecutor’s-office speaker said, describing the dog’s calming effect.

Speakers said Belle and other canine advocates come through a leader-dog training pathway and that 35 similar dogs are placed at prosecutors’ offices or children's advocacy centers across Michigan. The prosecutor’s-office representative described a deployment after the Oxford shooting where canine advocates were sent to assist students and families.

Speakers noted Belle is seven years old and that the dog’s work differs between home and work: at the office and in court Belle is calm and quiet, but at home she is more energetic. The Board thanked the prosecutor’s office and the handler for the presentation. No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational.