Hampton Police Department has started a new comfort dog program and welcomed its very first member, a Labrador Retriever puppy. The board approved the program on July 22. The canine will serve as the community’s dog, helping comfort residents whenever needed. However, the pup doesn’t have a name yet, and the department will need the public’s help with the same.
Hampton Police Department welcomes Labrador Retriever as comfort dog
On Monday, Hampton’s Select Board finally approved the department’s new comfort dog program. According to Seacoastonline, the police department will welcome an adorable nine-week-old yellow Labrador Retriever puppy as its first comfort dog on July 26. The pup will visit schools to help de-stress students and attend community events.
Police Chief Alex Reno noted that private donations will cover the program costs. CrimeLine for the Hamptons has already donated $3,000, which helped with purchasing the canine. One of the police officers will be serving as the comfort dog’s handlers, welcoming them into their family. The staff member will also be responsible for the pup’s training.
However, the Labrador Retriever doesn’t have a name yet, and the police department will follow the public’s decision to ensure the puppy truly feels like a community dog. Before that, the police chief must choose between the two officers who have applied to be the handler. He will set up a panel to reach a decision, which will be taken care of sometime this week.
The Hampton Police Department will post five potential names for the little one on its Facebook page. People can cast their votes, and Reno hopes children will especially take part in choosing a name for the puppy. The police chief plans to officially welcome the comfort dog to the community on Aug. 6, when he hopes to bring out the canine to meet the residents in person. He will also be announcing the name the police department went with on that day.
