When the refuge in Hopkinsville accepted an abandoned canine known as Bolo during the summer, they likely could not predict the extraordinary turn of events that awaited him in the subsequent months.
This black and white Bully hybrid was relinquished through animal control due to their need for a smaller breed. He swiftly acclimated to the new surroundings, and the shelter personnel became enamored with his joyous character.
Nonetheless, given his breed, which regrettably carries a poor reputation, they feared that Bolo might face an extended stay confined within the confines of his kennel.
Two months post his arrival at the shelter, no one showed interest in this dog. However, everything changed on an unexpected day during his visit to the local police station.
They Simply Fell In Love With Him
In mid-October, officers from the Hopkinsville Police Department launched a program named “Paw-Trol Wednesday”, initiated by Royale Marlif – a public information officer.
This initiative was designed to highlight a different dog each week and assist in their adoption. During their visit to the Christian County Animal Shelter, Bolo had the privilege of being the first canine to participate in a one-day excursion to the police station.
“Bolo is our four-legged companion who will be pawtrolling with us today!” HPD mentioned in their Facebook update.
Unbeknownst to them, it wouldn’t merely be a one-day patrol; something significantly greater would develop from this.
The positive atmosphere was evident right away because as soon as he entered the police department, they instantly became smitten with him. Yet, their adoration didn’t stop at that initial infatuation.
“Once Bolo began feeling comfortable and engaged with everyone, everyone was inquiring, ‘Can we adopt him? Can we keep him?’” Marfil expressed in her interview with The Dodo.
He Was Meant To Stay
Following a day filled with immense happiness, enjoying Bolo’s remarkable positive spirit, he simply lay down and drifted off in the heart of the police station office.
“He just kind of plopped down on the floor and began snoring,” Marfil recounted. “He snores quite loudly. I’d say that was probably my favorite segment of the day, witnessing him relax completely and just fall into this deep slumber.”
Once he awakened, it was time to return to the shelter. However, at that moment, Bolo started to whimper, as if he was pleading, “Can I please stay with you?”. The scene tugged at the heartstrings of the officers present.
Marfil immediately decided to take action.
“I brought it to Chief Newby,” Marfil mentioned. “And he replied, ‘Yeah, why not? Let’s keep him.’”
Officer Marfil was overjoyed and promptly devised a plan with her coworkers. Bolo would spend his daytime at the police department but would return home with Marfil at night.
Upon taking him to PetSmart for a collar, Bolo’s grin reappeared, alongside the upbeat energy that had characterized him throughout the day.
“That’s when he became truly happy,” she remarked. “He understood.”
Bolo Became The Most Popular Officer In Town
In early November, Bolo experienced the proudest moment of his existence. During the formal ceremony, the mayor himself welcomed this dog as the newest member of the police team. He even received his own designation — Hopkinsville Police Department’s inaugural Paw-trol Officer.
“We can’t wait to follow this lovely pup’s journey on the force. 🐾” City of Hopkinsville Local Government stated in their Facebook update.
From that moment onward, Marfil’s office became a bustling hub with visitors each day. The attraction was not due to police duties, but to Bolo, whom everyone eagerly wanted to meet and greet.
“Everyone will pop into my office just to say hello to him,” Marfil commented. “I think folks forget that this is my office since Bolo resides here.”
In addition to everyone wishing to snap a picture with him, they also treated him with snacks, and of course, he never objected.
“He’s practically the best garbage disposal a dog could be,” Marfil notes. “If he hears any sort of wrapper crinkling — irrespective of what it is — he is right at your feet, pleading for whatever it is you have.”
Unlike the other working police canines in the department, Bolo is not anticipated to perform any actual tasks — other than being his delightful self.
Regardless, Bolo has demonstrated to be the strongest soft power of the police force, radiating his joyous spirit and charming smile, which we are certain will ease the difficult work of those in uniform for many years to come.