Welcome, Basil!
Midland Child Advocacy Center (Midland CAC) is celebrating an important milestone as Facility Dog Basil, a black Labrador Retriever, has officially completed her training and begun supporting children during forensic interview appointments.
For children who have experienced abuse or trauma, participating in a forensic interview can be one of the most difficult parts of the investigative process. Basil’s role is to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support, helping children feel safer and more at ease in Midland CAC’s welcoming and child-friendly environment.
Children are referred to Midland CAC for forensic interviews by law enforcement or Child Protective Services when there are concerns of child sexual abuse, severe physical abuse or neglect, witnessing violence, drug endangerment, or human trafficking. A forensic interview is conducted in coordination with investigators, helping reduce the number of times a child must recount what may have happened while gathering information in a developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed manner.
Basil has already begun making a meaningful difference.
“We recently had a young child who asked to take a ‘Basil break’ during their interview,” said Morgan Rooy, Family Advocate at Midland CAC. “Breaks aren’t uncommon because the conversations can feel overwhelming, and they give children a chance to regroup. This was only Basil’s second interaction with a child, and seeing her provide comfort so early in her career was exceptionally heartwarming.”
Midland CAC first announced its application for a Facility Dog in May 2025, and the community response was overwhelmingly positive. Even before Basil arrived, local civic organizations, businesses, and individual supporters stepped forward with financial contributions and donated services to help bring the program to life.
“Since Basil joined our team, she has received an incredibly warm welcome,” said Executive Director Kevin Heye. “The support we’ve received reflects our community’s appreciation for the comfort and reassurance she provides to children, families, staff, and our community partners. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this program possible.”
Basil was officially matched with Midland CAC in February 2026 and successfully completed her final evaluation in June, allowing her to begin working directly with children. She has also earned the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen title and continues advanced training to further develop her skills as a working dog.
Beyond supporting children during forensic interview appointments, Midland CAC is excited to incorporate Basil into its child abuse prevention and education programs.
“Body safety conversations can sometimes feel difficult or awkward,” said Alexis Niederstadt, Prevention and Education Coordinator. “Having Basil present during community events and trainings can help ease some of those emotions. We also look forward to featuring Basil on educational materials, prevention resources, and throughout our social media to help engage families in these important conversations.”
Midland CAC extends its sincere appreciation to the many local businesses, organizations, and individuals whose generosity helped bring Basil to the Center, including Canine Advocates, M-20 Animal Hospital, Wysong, ReFURbish, Exchange Club of Midland, Midland Kiwanis Foundation, Noon Club Community Needs Committee, Midland Rotary Foundation, Studio B, Marsha Hoyt, the Jackson/Rooy Family, Jamie Krueger, and Paige Mikolaiczik.
A complete list of Basil’s supporters, along with sponsorship opportunities to support her ongoing care and training, can be found at www.midlandcac.org/facility-dog.
As Basil begins her career at Midland CAC, she represents more than a new member of the team—she is another way the Center is helping children feel safe, supported, and empowered as they begin their path toward healing.
For more information about Basil or Midland Child Advocacy Center, call 989-835-9922 or follow Basil on Instagram at @canine_basil.
