When Facility Dog Scully arrived at the Charlevoix County Prosecutor’s Office in early 2025, he didn’t just join the team—he changed it. His handler, Jen, had long envisioned the day when a Facility Dog could walk alongside victims of crime, especially children, as they navigated some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“We were absolutely delighted to receive Scully into our lives,” said Jen.
Facility Dog Scully and Jen pose together at work
The journey to bringing Scully to Charlevoix County began years earlier. Jen first raised the idea of a canine advocate in 2022, but it took time—and persistence—for the dream to become reality. When a new prosecutor joined the office in 2023, the timing was right. Together, they researched programs and connected with Dogs for Better Lives. “When we got word that we had a match, everything happened so fast,” Jen recalls. “The wait was shorter than expected, and Scully was a perfect fit.”
A Day in the Life of Scully
Each morning, Scully starts his day in a bustling household—Jen, her husband, and their two teenage sons—before heading into the office. Some days are calm: visits with coworkers, gentle naps beside desks, and playtime with Bruce, the office bull mastiff. Other days are filled with court hearings and client meetings, where Scully’s calm, intuitive presence makes an extraordinary difference.
Jen makes sure clients are comfortable before introducing them to Scully.
“People are often anxious when they come to our office,” she explains. “Having a positive interaction with Scully first helps set the tone. It tells them: you’re safe here.”
When court days arrive, Scully’s impact deepens. He sits quietly beside victims as they face the courtroom, offering a steadying presence. Sometimes, he rests at their feet or leans gently against their leg—a small gesture that provides immeasurable comfort. Jen has seen trembling hands relax, tears slow, and breathing steady, all because of Scully’s presence. “He’s very intuitive and affectionate—he noses right in where he’s needed,” noted Jen.
Facility Dog Scully applies gentle pressure to help victims feel supported and calm
A Moment That Says It All
Jen remembers one young survivor in particular—a seven-year-old girl terrified to enter the courtroom. “She was afraid of everything—our building, the courtroom, even seeing her family member who hurt her,” Jen says. Once she knew she’d be meeting Scully, her fear shifted towards excitement.
Before their first meeting, she drew a picture of the dog she hoped to meet. When she arrived and met Scully, her fear turned to fascination. She compared her drawing to the real-life golden retriever as she snuggled him.
During the hearing, Scully lay quietly at the girl’s feet as she testified about what had happened to her. When the questions grew difficult, she paused to have him do his ‘visit’ task, took a deep breath, and continued.
“She went from being afraid to even walk into our building to testifying—and looking forward to coming back. That wouldn’t have been possible without Scully,” said Jen.
Healing Beyond the Courtroom
Scully’s influence extends beyond victims. His presence helps staff manage the emotional weight of their work. “This job can take it out of people, even on the best of days,” Jen admits. “Scully brings joy and stress relief to everyone he meets.” Their daily walks give her time to process tough cases and return refreshed. Even outside the office, Scully continues to give—joining Jen at the local high school where she coaches theater, spreading calm and smiles among students.
Gratitude and Hope
None of this, Jen emphasizes, would have been feasible without the generosity of donors and volunteers who made Scully’s placement with us possible. “We’re a small, rural office,” she says.
“Our county budget could never have paid for something like this. Having people who believe in the impact of a working dog—and who helped us bring Scully here at zero cost to us—has been a lifeline. You didn’t just bring a dog to our office—you brought hope, healing, and heart to our community.”
As Scully continues to grow into his role, Jen sees only more good things to come. “His impact in less than a year has already been immeasurable,” she reflects. “He’s helped victims of violent crime, lifted spirits, and reminded us all what compassion looks like. I can’t wait to see where his paws lead next.”
Would you or someone you care about benefit from a Facility Dog? Visit dogsforbetterlives.org/facility-dogs to learn more about their work, and apply.
