LACASA Center held a moving memorial service last week to celebrate the life and legacy of Penny, the organization’s cherished first canine advocate. The service, attended by staff, board members, and community supporters, paid tribute to Penny’s crucial role in supporting victims of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual violence.
Penny, who served as LACASA’s canine advocate for nearly a decade, passed away after a brief illness in late 2024. During her time with LACASA, she offered a gentle, non-judgmental presence during therapeutic sessions, forensic interviews, and witness testimony. Her quiet companionship, calming energy, and unconditional affection helped people find peace, reduce anxiety, and foster trust in their healing journeys.
“Before Penny joined us, we had an idea of how powerful an animal could be in supporting healing for victims of interpersonal violence,” said LACASA President and CEO Bobette Schrandt. “Penny fully embodied that power and was a vital part of our team.”
Schrandt was joined by former Livingston County Prosecutor and LACASA Board Member Emeritus David Morse, as well as Dr. Sandy Surch, Penny’s devoted veterinarian, in offering tributes at the memorial.
Morse, who first suggested LACASA look into acquiring a dog after seeing a pilot program in Oakland County, told the group that Penny’s presence on the witness stand gave victims a kind of confidence no human could provide.
“We could make them understand what was going to happen, but when Penny came in, she made them believe they could do it. And there’s a whole lot of difference between understanding and believing,” Morse said.
Dr. Surch added that Penny’s influence extended to everyone she encountered, from other clients in LACASA’s Crisis Shelter to members of her veterinary team.
“Whenever Penny was on the schedule, my whole team would excitedly say ‘Guess who’s coming in today?” Surch told the group.
Following the reflections, attendees moved outside to bury Penny’s ashes and plant a Redbud tree in her memory as a living memorial. LACASA board member and retired pastor Dan Michalek offered heartfelt words of comfort and blessing, honoring Penny’s enduring spirit.
The memorial service reinforced LACASA’s commitment to supporting survivors through innovative and compassionate approaches, with Penny’s legacy continuing to inspire the organization’s work. The ceremony was also attended by Ember, LACASA’s second canine advocate, who joined the organization in December 2024. LACASA plans to further honor Penny with a community art project in collaboration with local artist Susan Pominville; details will be forthcoming next month.
ABOUT LACASA
LACASA is a locally based organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence. The nonprofit provides critical services and educational programs that build awareness about interpersonal violence and help prevent abuse in the community. To learn more, visit lacasacenter.org.
