The hearts of police officers never cease to amaze us. Of course, their service and sacrifice don’t stop at the humans within their community. Their kindness and compassion often overflow into the four-legged friends that call their communities home. Another thing the boys and girls in blue are known for is their resourcefulness. No challenge is ever too big for them to find a creative solution!
Mickey Won Their Hearts And Paved The Way
The La Vista Police Department in Nebraska found a unique and absolutely adorable way to help shelter dogs. The K9 For A Day program was started with a mixed Bull Terrier named Mickey. Officer Jeanette picked up Mickey from the Nebraska Humane Society and put him to work! Well, maybe not exactly work, but he did win over the hearts of everyone he encountered that day. Just a few short days later, Mickey’s new furever family came to the Humane Society to bring him home!
Captain Bryan Waugh pioneered the one-of-a-kind program.
“I was getting emails and texts from different police departments from across the country asking how to start the program in their communities,” Waugh told ketv.com. “It totally breaks up the normal day to day. You know, there’s nothing normal about policing, to be honest with you, but this is just something that’s a little bit of fun.”
Everyone Wins With K9 For A Day
This amazing opportunity is helping dogs find their homes while simultaneously bridging the gap between police and their community.
“It helps the Humane Society. It gets some dogs some visibility so they can be adopted, but it’s also a way for people to feel comfortable approaching a police officer,” said crime prevention officer Jamie Brown.
One lucky pup is chosen each month to break out of the shelter and hit the streets. The chosen dogs go on patrol with officers during their shift, riding alongside their new best friends. Naturally, there’s a lot of adrenaline, but it’s outweighed by all the belly rubs and ear scratches! The program is nearly three years old and continues to be a success.
Going On Patrol Can Let Dogs Shine
The Nebraska Humane Society doesn’t turn away any pup so they gladly accept any help they can.
“We don’t pick and choose who enters. Instead, we offer clean kennels, warm beds, loving hearts and kind hands to every abandoned, stray and lost animal who arrives at our door. We also quarantine animals who are aggressive or who have bitten, provide a safe place for victims of cruelty and neglect, and offer temporary sanctuary for animals who have been given up by their owners,” the Nebraska Humane Society says.
Being in a shelter can be stressful for dogs. Giving them a change of environment really gives their individual personalities a chance to shine! Plus, it never hurts to have a little bit of one-on-one attention and love.
h/t: ketv.com
Featured Photo: @LaVistaPolice/Facebook
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