Bolo, a 3-year-old pit bull puppy, was originally meant to spend just one day at the Hopkinsville Police Department. However, his visit quickly turned into a permanent stay after he charmed everyone he met, winning their hearts with his sweet nature.
Shelter Pit Bull has a day visit to the police department, he is now their full-time ‘paw control officer’
Bolo, a two-month-old shelter dog, was the first to participate in a program called “Paw Patrol Wednesdays.” Royale Marfil, public relations officer for the Hopkinsville Police Department, started the program in mid-October to highlight a new shelter dog each week and help it get adopted.
The show was an instant hit for Bolo. Everyone at the Hopkinsville Police Department wanted to hold him from the moment he walked in.
“Once Bolo felt comfortable and started playing with everyone, everyone asked, ‘Can we adopt him?’ Can we keep him?’” Marfil revealed to The Dodo.
Bolo had such a good time meeting everyone at the police department that he fell asleep on the floor of Ivory’s office.
“He just plopped down on the floor and started snoring,” he 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 moan when it was time to return to the shelter. He didn’t want to leave. And no one in the police department wanted him to leave.
“I took it to Chief Newby,” Marfil said. “And he said, ‘Why not? Let’s keep it.’”
Ivory devised a plan with his companions. Bolo worked at the police department during the day and went home with Marfil at night.
Marfil says Bolo knew he was going to be adopted when he took him to PetSmart to buy him a collar and toys.
“That’s when he really got happy,” he explained. “He knew it”.
At an official ceremony in early November, officials welcomed Bolo to the team. He even received his own title: First Officer of the Hopkinsville Paw Patrol.
Marfil says she has had to adjust to people coming to her office to see Bolo instead of her.
“Everyone comes to my office to say hello,” he said. “I think people forget it’s my office since Bolo lives here.”
When Bolo has visitors, he usually receives a gift. In fact, he’s already gotten used to it.
Ivory says: “He’s as greedy as a dog can be. If he hears any type of wrapping rustling, whatever it may be, he is at your feet, begging for whatever you have in your hand.
Unlike the police dogs who work in the department, Bolo is not expected to do anything but be himself.
“He has the biggest smile on his face every day,” says Marfil. “He will 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. Their presence has increased the community’s interest in adopting shelter dogs, proving that even a brief visit can change lives forever.
Bolo’s journey from a shelter pup to the first officer of the Hopkinsville Paw Patrol is a poignant reminder of the impact animals can have on our lives and the joy they bring to everyone they meet.