Written by Tanya Terry, with featured photo by Tanya Terry
Featured photo: 4-year-old Lori “Tookie” Keeth with Hercules the dog
Hercules, a comfort dog recently deputized to serve Voices for Children Advocacy Center, has had over 100 positive interactions with traumatized children since he was sworn in at the Genesee County 7th Circuit Court June 16.
Claudnyse D. Holloman, president & CEO of Voices for Children Advocacy Center, told the Courier the organization has been serving area children for 26 years. The center has helped approximately 3,000 children annually who have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect or grief. The center provides therapy, support groups and various services to help children heal.
“As soon as he sees a kid he just loves on the kid,” shared Holloman about Hercules.
She continued: “He gets just as excited as the kids. He’s is a 2-year-old lab. With adults, he’s a little bit more chill. But as soon as he sees a kid, he wants to play with them. He wants to get loved on by them…He truly is the definition of compassion…He knows how to help a child that’s hurting. And so, for a kid that’s coming here for the first time, and they’re scared or they’re nervous about what they’re going to have to talk about, or a kid who’s having a really rough day with therapy, he just knows how to go up to them and just have fun with them. Sometimes he takes teddy bears to them or other stuffed animals. We’re looking for the stuffed animal, and he has it, and he’s giving it to a kid.”
Voices for Children Advocacy Center Board member Andrea LeGenendre suggested bringing Hercules to the center. She recognized the impact the dogs have on kids, particularly at the court, with LeGenendre also being an assistant prosecuting attorney.
Judge Jennie Barkey of the probate court ceremonially swore him in as the Honorable Hercules. Judges Khary Hanible and Brian Pickell also participated in the swearing-in ceremony.
Hercules accompanies children through forensic interviews, therapy sessions, medical exams, and court proceedings, providing unconditional love and comfort.
Holloman noted that children often bring treats for Hercules and enjoy playing fetch with him, which helps restore their often lost sense of childhood. Holloman said the children, however, deserve to still feel like kids.
4-year-old Lori “Tookie” Keeth shared about her experience with Hercules with the Courier.
“I love dogs,” she said. “They’re my favorite. I love them so much. I feel good around the dog. Dogs love everybody.”
Flint Resident Katie Mueller, Keeth’s mother, stated: “I think it’s really nice. The kids have always enjoyed having the dog with them when they get here. I think it kind of sets a kind of gentle tone – because dogs are silly. They’re silly and playful. It relieves the nervousness.”
Hercules’ presence helps children feel more comfortable and supported during difficult processes, serving as both an emotional support and a symbol of hope for the traumatized children served by the center.
