Bella

Bella was bequeathed to the team by a client on her deathbed. At the time, Bella was eight years old, seasoned in life yet full of the joy and energy of a puppy with a heart full of love to give.

From the very first moment she joined the team, Bella became more than just a mascot—she became a symbol of comfort, laughter, and warmth for clients during intense and often stressful moments. Her presence, as soft as it is reassuring, has the magical ability to turn even the most challenging moments into something a little brighter. Whether it's a nudge for attention, a playful bark, or one of her signature antics, Bella never fails to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Bella offers an irreplaceable balance of lightheartedness and emotional support, making her an invaluable member of the LJ Investigation family. She's not just the LJI mascot—she’s the heart of the team, reminding us daily that sometimes, a little love and laughter are all it takes to make even the darkest moments a little bit easier to bear.

There is clear scientific proof that simple, non-verbal behaviors can profoundly influence stress, trust, and communication. This is well-documented in the field of human–animal bonding, but the findings have broader relevance to human-to-human interactions, including investigative interviews.

1.     Oxytocin and Eye Contact

o   A landmark study published in Science (Nagasawa et al., 2015) focused on dogs demonstrated that when humans and dogs gazed into each other’s eyes, oxytocin levels increased in both species — in some cases by as much as 300%. Oxytocin is often referred to as the “bonding hormone” because it promotes trust, social bonding, and openness.

2.     Stress Hormones and Cortisol Reduction

o   Research shows that petting or interacting with dogs reduces cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone) and lowers blood pressure (Odendaal & Meintjes, Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 2003).

o   In humans, lowering cortisol improves memory recall and reduces defensiveness — two factors critical in effective interviewing.

3.     Therapeutic Applications in Justice and Healthcare

o   Therapy dogs are now used in hospitals, schools, and even courtrooms to support witnesses, especially children, because their presence measurably lowers anxiety and increases cooperation. This is grounded in physiological evidence, not just anecdotal reports.

Science confirms that trust, safety, and stress reduction are not just abstract goals — they are measurable biological states. By understanding the way oxytocin and cortisol shape human behavior, investigators can use proven techniques to improve rapport, enhance memory recall, and strengthen the integrity of their interviews.