Welcome to Estie’s Besties
One very real K9. One very special storybook star.
Hi! I’m Estie! I’m so happy you’re here. Come explore stories, activities, online safety, adventures and lots of fun with me and my friends.
- Books & Activities
- Online Safety
- Shore & Sea
- School Programs
As seen in
- Alabama Animal Hall of Fame
- Alabama Sheriffs Star
- WKRG News 5
- Mobile Bay Magazine
Here you’ll discover
Come explore with me!
Stories, free printables, online-safety tools and real-life visits — all with a wagging tail.
Book seriesThe Estie Files
Online-safety adventures in Whispering Woods.
Book seriesStories of the Shore & Sea
Coastal adventures that inspire kindness and care.
For grown-upsOnline Safety
Tips, guides and the Besties pledge.
ProgramsSchool & Community
Bring Estie to your school, library or event.
FreeActivities & Printables
Coloring pages, puzzles and Bestie surprises.
Meet ESD K9 Estie
A working dog, a comfort dog and an ambassador.
Estie is a real-life Electronic Storage Detection K9 trained to help locate hidden electronic devices during investigations involving crimes against children. Through school visits, community outreach and children’s books, Estie helps families begin important conversations about online safety, kindness, courage and making safe choices in today’s world.
Known for her gentle personality and love for helping others, Estie’s mission is to create positive connections with children, families, schools and communities everywhere she goes.
- BreedGoldador
- Badge#103
- Trained byJordan Detection K9
- Donated byOUR Rescue
See her in action
Watch Estie find a hidden device
Estie’s real-world work inspires The Estie Files and helps open important, age-appropriate conversations with children and families about staying safe online.
PAWS Up!™ Online Every Time
Four simple habits kids remember
The goal isn’t to scare children about technology — it’s to help them feel confident, capable and safe while using it.
Pause
Take a moment before clicking, posting, sharing or responding online.
Act
Make safe and responsible choices that show kindness and respect.
Watch
If something seems strange, confusing or unsafe, trust your instincts.
Speak Up
Talk to a trusted grown-up whenever something online feels wrong.
Our inspiring story
What started as a working partnership became a mission.
Estie’s Besties was inspired by the real-life partnership between ESD K9 Estie and her handler, Sgt. Laura Grantham, through their work helping protect children and families. Estie helps locate hidden electronic devices in investigations involving crimes against children, while also serving as a comfort and community outreach K9 during school visits and public events.
Through those experiences, it became clear how important it is to help children and families begin conversations about online safety early — in positive, approachable ways. That inspired The Estie Files, Stories of the Shore and Sea and the Estie’s Besties brand: storytelling, education and community outreach that encourage kindness, courage, confidence and safe decision-making, online and in everyday life.
Meet Laura GranthamKind words
What families & educators say
The ‘Estie Files’ books are a fantastic way to teach online safety. My kids absolutely love them and actually remember the lessons!
ESD K9 Estie’s presentation was incredibly engaging. The students were captivated and learned so much about staying safe online.
The Stories of the Shore and Sea inspired meaningful conversations and encouraged children to see themselves as caretakers of the world around them.
Upcoming appearance
Estie is headed to WOOFSTOCK 2026! 🎃
A benefit for the Animal Rescue Foundation. Stop by, say hello, grab some Estie swag and meet your favorite technology-sniffing K9!
- When
- Saturday, October 17, 2026 · 11 AM–4 PM
- Where
- Oyster City Brewing
Bring Estie to your school or community
Interactive online-safety presentations, hidden-technology demonstrations, story time and author visits — designed to leave children smiling long after the visit.
