This month, we are spotlighting Cully Krause, our Canine Advocate, who joined The Children’s Center’s team in December of 2021. Cully was trained by Leader Dogs for the Blind, but when she showed a clear preference for life without a harness, she transitioned into a new role where she could thrive. She found her mission with The Children’s Center helping to reduce the anxiety of children and families receiving services at the Child Advocacy Center, along with the staff, Multi-Disciplinary Team and other friends.
We want to thank everyone who has supported the Canine Advocacy Program over almost four years: 1Fur1 Foundation, Bil-Jac Foods, Inc., Canine Advocates, Chelsey at Doggie Harmony of Hinckley, Granger Endowment Fund, Hinckley Animal Hospital – Dr. Erin Kalo, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Tom and Jill Lincoln Foundation, and the many donors of essential care and enrichment items for Cully.
In this spotlight, Cully shares how she discovered The Children’s Center, what she is most proud of, and what impact she hopes to have made during her time at The Children’s Center of Medina County.
Roles and Responsibilities
How did you learn about The Children’s Center of Medina County? Why did you decide to apply for your position?
Well, as a Canine Advocate, I heard about The Children’s Center of Medina County the old-fashioned way, through the grapevine at the dog park. Just kidding! Actually, my awesome human puppy raisers told me about it (they read the emails, I mostly handle the treats). When I heard The Center helps kids going through really tough stuff, I knew I had to lend a paw. Comforting people is my thing. That and rolling in the grass. But mostly comforting.
I decided to apply because I’m professionally trained in looking adorable, accepting belly rubs, and being a calm, nonjudgmental listener. I don’t talk much, but I’m great at making eye contact and silently communicating things like “You’re doing amazing” and “I’m here for you but also, is that a treat in your pocket?”
In all seriousness, I’m here to help kids feel safe, supported, and a little less alone. I make hard days a little softer for every child who needs a friend.
What is your current role? What do you do in that role?
Well, up until recently, I was the official Chief Tail Wagger and Head of Snuggles at The Children’s Center. Better known as the Canine Advocate. My job was very important because I provided comfort, gave free hugs, and listened to countless stories without interrupting once (don’t confirm the last part with Ellysa 😊).
Now that I’m retiring and moving somewhere new with my family, I plan to sleep approximately 23 hours a day, catch up on some exercising, and reflect on all the amazing kids I was able to support. But don’t worry, I’ve trained my humans well, and when they are ready, they will pass the leash to the next generation.
What are you most proud of in your work with The Children’s Center?
Honestly? I’m most proud of all the smiles I earned just by walking (okay, running) into a room. At The Children’s Center, I got to be the comfort when kids felt nervous. I didn’t need fancy words or a degree, just a good nose for emotions and a commitment to being ridiculously huggable.
Whether it was helping a child feel brave enough to speak, making a teen crack a smile they didn’t think they could, or simply being a calm presence in a hard moment, I was always there.
Also… I only barked during one serious meeting. So, I’m proud of that too.
Personal Insights and Reflections
What is the best compliment you have ever received?
One time, a kid said, “The supportive dog helped with my anxiety a lot.”
And let me tell you, I may not know exactly what anxiety is (it doesn’t smell like bacon, so I’m still figuring it out), but I knew it was something heavy. And just by sitting there, wagging my tail, and being my calm, cute self, I helped lighten it for them. That’s the kind of compliment that sticks with a dog… even through nap time.
Sure, I’ve been called “the sweetest thing ever” and “soooo cute”, but knowing I made someone feel safer and more supported? That’s the treat right there.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Well, I am still a kid, unless you calculate my age in human years (don’t do that!) Deep down, I always knew I wanted to help people. I had the very best puppy raisers who instilled all kinds of wonderful things in me (thanks Barb and Ernie!) so when I found out I could become a Canine Advocate, get pet all day, comfort humans, and wear a fancy bandanna… I was like, “Yup. That’s the job for me.” And I’ve been living the dream ever since.
What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy day? What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?
After a long day of being the best good girl at The Children’s Center, my favorite way to unwind is heading home to my two tiny humans. They’re small, loud, and always sticky, but they give the best hugs and drop an impressive number of snacks on the floor. It’s basically a dream come true.
We usually wind down with a little backyard fetch, a couch cuddle session, and sometimes… I let them dress me up as a dinosaur or a pirate. (It’s fine. I get extra treats for letting them do whatever they want.) By the end of the day, I’m curled up in my tiny human’s bed, surrounded by toys, stuffies, and unconditional love.
Honestly? Retirement looks a lot like this too, and I’m not mad about it.
What season is your favorite?
In the winter, I absolutely lose my mind (in a good way) over snow. I zoom, I roll, I eat way too much of it. But then… summer. Oh boy. That’s lake season, which means one thing: SWIMMING. Nothing beats the lake… my happy place!
So yeah… winter brings the zoomies, summer brings the splashes. I guess you could say I’m a seasonal enthusiast. But let’s be real, every season is my favorite when there’s fun to be had and people to love.
Community Engagement and Support
What does the community need to know about The Children’s Center?
I may not speak human, but if I could, I’d tell everyone this: The Children’s Center is a place where kids are met with kindness and trust, exactly when they need it most. When I walk through those doors, I can feel it. It’s in the way people listen. It’s in the safe spaces, the soft voices, the gentle support. It’s in every hug I get to be a part of.
The Children’s Center isn’t just a building and I’m proud to have spent my days there, offering my paw to children going through some of life’s hardest moments.
If the community knew how many brave little humans walk through those doors and how much healing starts right here I think they’d understand why this place is so special. I may be retiring to start something new with my family, but the love and care at The Children’s Center never stops.
