Leonard Griffin shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his earlier charm beginning to crack under the scrutiny of the room. His lawyer, visibly flustered, attempted to interject, but Judge Dawson held up a hand to silence him.

“Ms. Cooper,” the judge addressed me, “how does Moose’s training correlate with Isla’s safety and well-being?”

I stood, drawing on my experience as a child advocate attorney to articulate what I knew was the heart of the matter. “Your Honor, Moose’s reactions are not arbitrary. They’re based on specific triggers and responses designed to protect children like Isla from those who have caused them harm. His behavior today is a direct indication of Isla’s fear and past trauma.”