When you think of crime dramas, dogs aren’t usually the first stars that come to mind. But in Will Trent, based on Karin Slaughter’s bestselling novels, one rescue dog has quietly become the show’s emotional anchor — and she does it with undeniable style. Meet Bluebell, the pup who plays Betty, Special Agent Will Trent’s devoted partner in more ways than one.
In this DOGUE Exclusive, we go behind the scenes with television’s most stylish four-legged star. From her early days as a rescue pup to her camera-ready, chic presence on set, Bluebell has captured hearts both on-screen and off. We spoke with her trainer, April Mackin, and actor Ramón Rodríguez to uncover what makes this little diva a true Hollywood star.
Betty on Set: Style, Heart, and Heroics
The series follows Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, but it’s his four-legged partner who steals the spotlight. Betty, played by Bluebell, brings heart, intuition, and undeniable style to every case. More than a sidekick, she was adopted by Will early in the series and has become deeply attuned to her human partner. As the quiet observer in high-stakes investigations, Betty provides emotional guidance without a single word. From subtle glances that shift the mood of a scene to comforting moments that humanize Will, she is the heartbeat of the show—proving that sometimes the smallest characters leave the biggest impression.
Ramón Rodríguez on Bluebell
For actor Ramón Rodríguez, who plays Will Trent, Bluebell is more than a co-star—she’s a partner in crime in the truest sense.
DOGUE: When Bluebell first joined the cast, did you sense she would become such an emotional anchor for the show?
Ramón Rodríguez: I always knew she would be an emotional anchor for Will. It’s the wonderful gift that animals, and dogs in particular, are capable of. Their loyalty, commitment, and endless love are undeniable. From the moment I read about her in the books and then the pilot, I knew this would open us up to a side of Will that we don’t always get access to. Betty was left abandoned, and Will knew this feeling all too well—there was no way he was going to leave her. They’re bonded for life now.
DOGUE: Betty’s journey mirrors Will’s in many ways. How do you see her role evolving on the show?
Ramón Rodríguez: It’s been great seeing Will, who was very much a loner and would close himself off to most, slowly get cracked open by Betty. Earlier on, when he adopted her, he wasn’t so sure how it would go. Now we see he can’t live without her. She’s always there for him; she’s helped him solve crimes, and this season we even decided to really get her involved in an episode where she’s central to the case.
DOGUE: Your bond with Bluebell feels incredibly authentic on screen—how did that connection develop, and what does she mean to you off-camera?
Ramón Rodríguez: Like any relationship, it takes time. Little by little and day by day, we built trust and confidence. She knows I have her back and I know she’s got mine. She’s very much my partner in crime. Without words, we’ve learned to express and communicate with each other. And as many times as I’ve been asked if there are two dogs playing Betty, I’ve always made it clear… there is only one Bluebell, and she has my heart.
DOGUE: When the cameras stop rolling, who is Bluebell to you?
Ramón Rodríguez: She’s many things—a deep, beautiful soul who is living a very strange life but holds the title of “greatest diva alive”, a title I believe we should all aspire to in another life.
Off-camera, Bluebell’s charm and playful personality have won over the cast and crew, who greet her with pets, scratches, and endless affection.
The Star Behind Betty
Bluebell’s journey to Hollywood stardom is as compelling as the role she plays. Adopted from a rescue, she came to trainer April Mackin full of spunk, tenacity, and heart.
DOGUE: What was the first thing you noticed about Bluebell that told you she was special and had that X-factor?
April Mackin: The first thing I noticed about Bluebell—the thing that told me she was truly special—was her heart. She had that X-factor. When she was adopted, she came to me full of spunk, tenacity, and an incredible willingness to engage. She was an amazing little dog to work with.
DOGUE: Bluebell communicates so much with very little—how do you train a dog for subtle, emotional moments on camera?
April Mackin: Training a dog for subtle emotional moments on camera comes down to connection, trust, and communication. Bluebell is very experienced now, and over the years we’ve developed a shared language. We are incredibly tuned in to each other. Her attitude is consistently positive, which allows her to stay present and expressive in emotionally nuanced scenes.
DOGUE: How has Bluebell’s early rescue experience shaped her personality and the way she works today?
April Mackin: As with many rescue dogs, I truly believe Bluebell understands that she is loved and cared for. Rescue dogs seem to know. They carry something extra—an awareness and a depth that often translates beautifully on camera.
DOGUE: Are there any on-set rituals or routines that help Bluebell stay grounded and comfortable?
April Mackin: I train scenes days in advance so she understands the pattern, and before filming, we always do a blocking rehearsal so she’s prepared. One thing I intentionally allow is for the cast and crew to interact with her. Everyone is welcome to visit with her outside of active training moments. Bluebell loves going to set because she loves the people. The crew is incredibly respectful and supportive. They genuinely love her and greet her every day with pets and scratches. This has been an amazing journey for both Bluebell and me, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone on Will Trent for being so supportive.
Bluebell’s personality—loving, calm, and focused—shines through in every scene, whether she’s delivering subtle emotion on camera or charming the cast and crew off-screen.
A Star With Heart
Bluebell isn’t just a dog on set—she’s a storyteller. Her emotional intelligence, nuanced performances, and bond with Will Trent bring authenticity and warmth to a series that thrives on tension, drama, and redemption. Catch Will Trent and Bluebell in action! The series airs Tuesdays at 8:00 PM on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.