Bolo, a 3-year-old pitbull puppy, was only supposed to spend a day at the Hopkinsville Police Department. But his brief stay turned into a permanent residence after winning the hearts of everyone he met.
Shelter Pit Bull Has One Day Visit To Police Department, Now Is Their Full Time ‘Paw-trol Officer’
Bolo, a two-month-old shelter dog, was the first to participate in a program called “Paw Patrol Wednesdays.” Royale Marfil, a public relations officer at the Hopkinsville Police Department, initiated the program in mid-October to highlight a new shelter dog each week and help them get adopted.
The program was an instant success for Bolo. Everyone at the Hopkinsville Police Department wanted to keep him from the moment he walked in.
“Once Bolo got comfortable and started playing with everyone, they all asked, ‘Can we adopt him? Can we keep him?’” Marfil revealed to The Dodo.
Bolo had such a great time meeting everyone at the police department that he fell asleep on Marfil’s office floor.
“He just flopped down on the floor and started snoring,” she added. “He snores very loudly. Watching him completely relax and fall into a deep sleep was probably my favorite part of the day.”
Bolo lowered his head and began to whine when it was time to return to the shelter. He didn’t want to leave. And no one at the police department wanted him to go.
“I took him to Chief Newby,” Marfil said. “And he said, ‘Why not? Let’s keep him.’”
Marfil came up with a plan with her colleagues. Bolo would work at the police department during the day and go home with Marfil at night.
Marfil says Bolo knew he was going to be adopted when she took him to PetSmart to buy him a collar and toys.
“That’s when he really got happy,” she explained. “He knew it.”
In an official ceremony in early November, the officers welcomed Bolo to the team. He even received his own title: First Paw Patrol Officer of Hopkinsville.
Marfil says she has had to adjust to people coming into her office to see Bolo instead of her.
“Everyone comes into my office to say hi to him,” she said. “I think people forget it’s my office since Bolo lives here.”
When Bolo has visitors, he usually gets a treat. In fact, he has become accustomed to it.
Marfil says, “He’s as greedy as a dog can be. If he hears any kind of wrapper crinkling, no matter what it is, he’s at your feet, begging for whatever you have in your hand.”
Unlike the police dogs that work in the department, Bolo is not expected to do anything other than be himself.
“He has the biggest smile on his face every day,” Marfil says. “He’ll smile at you if you pet him. If you’re having a tough day, he’ll make you smile.”
Since joining the department, Bolo has not only become a beloved member of the team but also an ambassador for the shelter’s adoption program. His presence has increased the community’s interest in adopting shelter dogs, proving that even a short visit can change lives forever.
Bolo’s journey from a shelter puppy to the First Paw Patrol Officer of Hopkinsville is a heartwarming reminder of the impact animals can have on our lives and the joy they bring to everyone they meet.