Lilly Mae is set to make history as Oregon’s first court appointed special advocate, or CASA dog.

She was brought to a shelter via a puppy mill after it was discovered she had a heart murmur. Northwest Boxer Rescue saved her, and after six months in foster care, she was adopted by Shanney Star.

Now, she will be providing comfort to foster children going through child protective service hearings. “Lilly Mae’s story of her first two years is parallel to so many of our kids in foster care,” Starr said. “She has so much love she wants to give to people and her desire to be loved on in return, along with her gentle demeanor, made me think this could work.”

The hope is for the two-year-old boxer to help the children with any anxiety, tension, stress or fear they might experience as they go through child welfare proceedings and are faced with making courtroom appearances.

She completed more than seven months of training, and her gentle temperament makes her perfect for this role. Her owner says “she knows who needs love.”

Good luck, Lilly Mae!