The Aberdeen Police Department welcomed its newest and furriest member: Blue, an Australian Labradoodle, has joined the department’s ranks as resident therapy dog.
Blue, born on March 21 and remarkably well-behaved for just over three months old, has already made a “pawsitive” impact on the department’s morale and officer wellness.
Operations Captain Shannon Darling recounted that the department was inspired while participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics earlier this year. According to Darling, Police Chief Brian Chavis “just fell in love” with the therapy dogs from other visiting departments.
Upon their return to Aberdeen, the department began discussing recruiting a therapy dog for Aberdeen officers.
After thorough research, Darling contacted Lucky Country Labradoodles in Wake Forest about potentially adopting a puppy from the breeder’s recent litter.
“After reaching out to similar agencies to get their policies [on therapy dogs,] I then contacted the owner of Lucky Country Labradoodles to see if she was interested in the program,” Darling said. “We met, and she said she loved the program and wanted to donate a dog.”
Since his arrival just over a week and a half ago, Blue has become a beloved member of the Aberdeen Police Department.
Officer Brinson, Blue’s handler, has been integrating him into the department’s daily routine.
“You can instantly see some of the biggest officers here crack a smile with Blue,” said Brinson, grinning himself as he scratched Blue behind the ears. “I’ve seen a big boost in morale. Every time he walks in, there’s someone trying to love on him. Blue loves it too — he eats up the attention.”
According to Detective Darling, Blue’s presence has been especially beneficial in helping officers unwind, process traumatic events, and lessen the impact of job-related stress.
“The officers love it. The point of the program is officer wellness,” explained Darling. “If officers have a hard call or a hard day, they can take a break from the realities of the job and just cuddle or hang out with Blue.”
Darling described that though he’s only been around a short time, he’s already earned himself a spot in the APD family and that caring for him is a “family event.”
“We had seven officers put in for the position of the handler, and even more wanted to after they met him,” laughed Darling. “It’s a family event taking care of him. The demeanor of these dogs, which I really credit to the breeder, is amazing. We’re very lucky.”
Blue’s training is ongoing. Currently, he is undergoing beginner training at PetSmart to work on basic skills, with more in-depth training planned for the future. He will start his official therapy dog training when he is about five and a half to six months old.
Blue stays at the station during the day and goes home with Brinson in the evening. When Brinson works the night shift, Blue is at the station overnight and during the day.
When he’s not curled up in someone’s lap, Blue has his own office and enjoys playing with toys, meeting new people, and exploring new places.
Blue now has his own account on Instagram and can be followed at @bluethepolicepup1.
Feature photo: Aberdeen Police Officer Brinson (left), Operations Captain Shannon Darling, and therapy dog Blue.
~Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy.
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