On December 12, MSU Veterinary Medical Center staff, non-profit teams, and community advocates braved the snow to attend the swearing-in ceremony for Preston, Ingham County’s first canine advocate for child survivors of abuse and neglect. Preston was sworn in by Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney Gretchen Whitmer and the Honorable Judge Laura Baird. He now works at the Small Talk Children’s Assessment Center, where he will comfort children during forensic interviews, counseling appointments, and accompany them as they testify in court.

“Having Preston available for the children of Ingham County will be a unique and beneficial asset,” said Alex Brace, executive director and crisis counselor at Small Talk. “The sense of comfort and unconditional support that Preston can bring to a child going through trauma is something we cannot replicate. It is something we are so proud to provide to these brave child survivors of abuse.”

The MSU Veterinary Medical Center will be donating all Preston’s Primary Care medical services and contributing to any required specialist care.

“The unique work that Preston will be doing with Small Talk supporting abused children and giving them an opportunity to heal struck a chord with the Primary Care team and the management at the Veterinary Medical Center,” said Dr. Chris Gray, director of the Hospital. “The importance of the human-animal bond is one that can never be underestimated, and to be able to help in the healing process of these children through providing veterinary care for Preston was an easy decision to make.”

Licensed Veterinary Technician Patty Galvin of MSU’s Primary Care Service worked with Preston as he prepared to fill his new role.

“Preston brings this calm presence with him,” said Galvin. “You can’t help but smile when he is around!  Preston will truly be an inspiration to everyone around him and I feel so fortunate to be a part of his veterinary care.” 

Additional assistance to support Preston is being provided by the Canine Advocacy Program, Leader Dogs for the Blind, the Sellari Family, Crime Victim Services, Preuss Pets, and Doggy Day Care and Spa.