HEB Tournament of Champions Grant Helps Children and Justice Fighters

HEB Tournament of Champions comes through again with their recent grant of $15,000 to help underwrite the training of Courthouse Facility Dog Cadillac.

Adopted from the Houston SPCA, he now supports the staff and child witnesses at the Kendall County District Attorney’s Office in Boerne, Texas. Courthouse Facility Dogs help child survivors tell their story. Statistically, they result in higher rates of “outcry” and convictions, as they help children disclose more details and finds their voice on the witness stand.

The DA’s office shared these details about their experience with Cadillac:

Our office is made up of 23 dedicated team members (prosecutors, legal clerks, victim advocates, and investigators) who work tirelessly for justice. We often deal with the most violent offenses, and the emotional toll of preparing for trial can be immense. Cadillac helps us process the negative emotions that come with our work, providing a quiet presence that helps us decompress and refocus.

Cadillac is also a source of comfort for the many witnesses our prosecutors and advocates interview, from law enforcement officers to young children. His friendly, enthusiastic greetings help ease their anxieties, making them feel more at ease during their visits.

Recently, Cadillac and his handler, Elizabeth, presented to a group of elementary school students who were on a field trip to the Courthouse. Elizabeth explained that Cadillac’s role is to help people feel safe enough to share their difficult stories so that justice can be served. One student immediately understood, remarking, “If I had a story to tell, Cadillac would make it easier to tell it.”

Cadillac's impact is seen in the countless moments of emotional support he provides.

Take, for instance, his unique role with the County Judge. Before each Commissioners Court meeting, the Judge spends time with Cadillac, finding a moment of calm that helps him prepare for the tough decisions and sometimes contentious discussions ahead.

His empathy was particularly evident when our Criminal District Attorney recently lost her mother. Cadillac seemed to sense her pain, offering comfort in his own special way. He gently placed his paws on her lap, reached up to kiss her cheek, and offered what I can only describe as a silent, reassuring smile that said, "It's going to be okay." He then rolled over for a belly rub and nudged her hand, providing a moment of unconditional love and comfort during a difficult time.

 A last heartwarming example is Cadillac's special bond with our Chief Investigator.

When the Chief Investigator needs to take a break, he knows just the thing to brighten everyone's day. He brings out the bubbles so we can watch Cadillac chase and catch them. Not only does this give the Chief Investigator and Cadillac a moment of respite, it also infuses the entire office with a shared sense of joy.

Donna Sharp 

Legal Administrative Manager and Executive Assistant to  

Nicole S. Bishop, Kendall County Criminal District Attorney 

We look forward to teaming up with community partners like HEB Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust to help heal more of our littlest survivors and the people who fight for them.