Murmurs rippled across the courtroom. Leonard shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his bravado slipping away. His lawyer scrambled to recover, but the judge silenced him with a look.

“Thank you for sharing that, Isla,” Judge Dawson said gently. “I know it’s hard, but you’re very brave.”

Isla nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as Moose leaned against her. The presence of her loyal companion seemed to lend her strength.

Jim, Isla’s foster father, spoke up. “Your Honor, since Isla came to live with us, she’s been through therapy. Moose has been instrumental in her healing process. He was trained specifically to detect signs of distress and fear, and his reactions have always been accurate.”