The little girl held tightly to her caregiver's hand as she walked into the Marshall County Child Advocacy Center. Her eyes stayed fixed on the floor. She barely spoke above a whisper.
Like many children who come through the center's doors, she had experienced something no child should have to endure. Now she was being asked to talk about it with strangers in a room that was wholly unfamiliar. The conversation ahead felt overwhelming. Fear and anxiety hung heavily in the air.
Then she met Toto, a certified facility dog that joined the Child Advocacy Center team earlier this year.
Before her forensic interview began, the young girl spent a few minutes getting to know him. As she gently petted his soft fur and asked questions about his name and what he liked to do, her shoulders slowly began to relax.
During the forensic interview, Toto remained quietly at her feet. When the conversation became difficult, she would pause to rest her hand on his back. That grounding connection allowed her to regulate her emotions and continue sharing important details. Because she felt supported and less afraid, she was able to provide clear information, therefore reducing the likelihood that she would need to be re-interviewed and minimizing additional trauma.
Feeling safe can help a child communicate more clearly, reducing the need to repeat painful details multiple times. It can help lower anxiety, build trust, and create an environment where healing can begin.
That is exactly why the Child Advocacy Center welcomed Toto to its team.
In therapy, children who are hesitant to engage often begin by talking to the dog before they feel ready to talk to a counselor. Toto serves as a bridge, helping build trust and rapport more quickly. For children processing trauma, petting or sitting beside him lowers anxiety, decreases physical stress responses, and supports emotional regulation. This creates a therapeutic environment where healing can begin sooner and progress more steadily.
The presence of a facility dog is especially powerful during court preparation and testimony. For many children, the courtroom is intimidating. Knowing their trusted companion can sit near them during testimony offers reassurance and courage. The dog’s calm demeanor helps children remain focused and regulated, improving their ability to communicate effectively while reducing the emotional toll of the legal process.
This is why United Way invests in local partner agencies. Every day, organizations across our community go above and beyond to meet urgent needs, create safe spaces, and help individuals find hope in difficult circumstances.
Because of community support, the Child Advocacy Center has another tool to help children feel seen, heard, and protected when they need it most.
Sometimes impact looks like counseling, advocacy, or intervention.
And sometimes, it arrives on four paws, offering comfort, courage, and a quiet reminder that no child must face their hardest moments alone.
For more information about the Child Advocacy Center, visit www.marshallcac.org.