A murmur rippled through the room. The judge glanced at the prosecutor, his frown deepening. After a brief pause, he gave a small nod. Moments later, the door creaked open, and in walked Rex—the German Shepherd, with eyes that seemed more human than many people’s. The dog moved with an unmistakable purpose, as if he knew this was no ordinary day.

Alex dropped to his knees, arms wide open. Rex bounded towards him, whining loudly. The man wrapped his arms around the dog, pressing his forehead to Rex’s.