A Labrador retriever will be assisting the Berrien County Prosecutor’s office in helping make children feel better while they are at the county courthouse testifying and being interviewed.

The 1 1/2 year old dog, named Mr. Weeber, is part of Michigan’s Canine Advocate Program, which was developed to provide advocacy services to child victims utilizing a highly-trained dog to help alleviate the anxiety associated with being involved in the criminal justice system.

The state program was developed by its director, Daniel Cojanu, as result of an idea by a co-worker while he was employed at the Oakland County Prosecutors office as the supervisor of Victim Services. After researching various programs around the country, it was felt that a program to assist child victims who were going to be required to testify was needed.

Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester donate the dogs to CAP. They come trained to work in the court system.

Mr. Weeber is owned and cared for by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Taylor and his family. Taylor, his wife Sally, and two sons live in St. Joseph.

Coordinator of Victim Services, Marilyn Bowie, and Victim Advocate, Toni McCrone, are trained handlers who will assist Mr. Weeber with his work at the courthouse. His working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 5 p.m.

Mr. Weeber began work Aug. 12 and has been observing proceedings in several courtrooms. He will be available to be with children visiting the Prosecutor’s Office for interviews and when present to testify in court.

There is no expense to Berrien County for the use of Mr. Weeber.