A stray dog wanders into a police station for a day and unexpectedly finds a forever home.
From Shelter Pup to Star Recruit: Bolo Finds His Forever Beat at the Police Department
What started as a quick visit turned into a life-changing moment for a young pit bull named Bolo. The three-month-old pup was only meant to spend a single day at the Hopkinsville Police Department—but by the end of that visit, he had found a home and a new family in uniform.
A New Program with a Big Heart
Bolo was the first participant in a newly launched initiative called “Paw Patrol Wednesdays,” created by Royale Marfil, the department’s public relations officer. The goal was simple: bring attention to shelter dogs by having them spend a day at the department and help them get adopted.
Instant Chemistry
The moment Bolo stepped through the department’s doors, he captured the hearts of everyone he met. As he explored the space and played with the officers, it quickly became clear that he belonged there. “As soon as he got comfortable, everyone was asking, ‘Can we keep him?’” Marfil shared in an interview with The Dodo.
A Nap That Sealed the Deal
After a fun-filled day of meeting and greeting, Bolo curled up on the office floor and fell into a deep, snore-filled sleep. His loud, peaceful snoozing became a favorite moment for Marfil, who could see just how at ease he felt.
A Bittersweet Goodbye—Almost
When it came time for Bolo to return to the shelter, his demeanor changed. He lowered his head and whimpered, clearly not ready to leave. Neither were the officers. That’s when Marfil brought him to Chief Newby, who simply said, “Why not? Let’s keep him.”
A Dual Life: Officer by Day, Companion by Night
From that day on, Bolo split his time—serving as the department’s morale booster during the day, then heading home with Marfil in the evenings. His excitement was undeniable when Marfil took him shopping for a new collar and toys. “That’s when it clicked for him,” she said. “He knew he was staying.”
Official Welcome
In early November, Bolo was officially sworn in as the Hopkinsville Police Department’s first-ever “Paw Patrol Officer.” The team celebrated his arrival with a special ceremony, welcoming their newest four-legged member with open arms.
The Star of the Office
Marfil jokes that her office is now Bolo’s domain. “People stop by just to see him—sometimes I think they forget it’s actually my workspace,” she laughed. Bolo has developed quite a routine: he expects a treat with every visitor, and the sound of a crinkling wrapper brings him running.
No Badge Required—Just a Smile
While Bolo isn’t expected to perform the duties of a typical police dog, his job is no less important. His cheerful energy, wagging tail, and wide grin brighten the department every day. “He has a smile for everyone,” Marfil says. “And if you’re having a rough day, he’ll turn it around.”
More Than a Mascot
Bolo’s presence has had a ripple effect beyond the walls of the department. He’s inspired more community interest in shelter pet adoption, proving how one dog’s journey can encourage others to give rescue animals a chance.
A Pawsitive Reminder
From a hopeful shelter pup to a beloved member of the force, Bolo’s story is a powerful reminder of the joy and love animals can bring into our lives—and how sometimes, the ones we rescue end up rescuing us right back.