Meet Basil, Ingham County's new support dog for crime victims
LANSING — Rocking a mini mortarboard graduation cap, complete with tassel, Basil the emotional support dog lay patiently on the floor of a Lansing courtroom on Wednesday while onlookers snapped pictures.
It was a big day for the 2½-year-old black labrador/golden retriever mix.
She was "sworn in" as Ingham County's new canine court advocate, charged with helping crime victims, including victims of child abuse and sexual assault, get through uncomfortable court proceedings.
Chief Ingham County Circuit Judge Joyce Draganchuk had the honor of swearing in the new canine advocate, describing Basil as "a very special emotional support dog" who will help sexual assault survivors.
"And don't snore in the courtroom like the last dog," Draganchuk quipped, speaking to Basil, as the brief ceremony ended.
Basil will work with crime victims/survivors of all ages in the courts, officials said.
She is the second emotional support dog to join the county prosecutor's office, succeeding Kory, who began working in the role in 2018.
“We believe that courtroom court advocates provide a valuable service to victims and survivors, most notably in cases of child abuse and trauma,” Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane said in a news release.
"Basil is a special and unique dog, especially in her providing comfort to those who have undergone trauma. Canine courtroom advocates provide one step in their journey of healing and recovery, and we are greatly looking forward to her service."
Basil lives with Chief Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Matusko and her family. During her work hours, she reports to her handler, Victim-Witness Coordinator Marissa Berry.
Basil is a former Leader Dog for the Blind. She was trained by the Canine Advocacy Program of Pontiac.
Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on X @KBPalm_lsj.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Meet Basil, Ingham County's new support dog for crime victims
