When the shelter in Hopkinsville took in an abandoned dog named Bolo during the summer months, they could not predict the incredible journey that was about to unfold.
This black-and-white Bully mix was surrendered to animal control due to a need for smaller dogs. He quickly found his footing in the new setting, charming the shelter staff with his upbeat personality.
Unfortunately, given his breed, which often carries a stigma, the team was concerned that Bolo might remain in the confines of his kennel for an extended period.
Two months post-arrival, Bolo had yet to attract any attention. But then, everything changed one day when he visited the local police department.
They Simply Fell in Love with Him
In mid-October, officers from the Hopkinsville Police Department initiated a program called “Paw-Trol Wednesday,” spearheaded by Royale Marlif, a public information officer.
This program aimed to showcase a different dog every week to improve their chances of getting adopted. When the officers visited the Christian County Animal Shelter, Bolo had the privilege of being the first dog to go on a one-day visit to the police department.
“Bolo is our four-legged friend who will be pawtrolling with us today!” the HPD stated in their Facebook post.
They had no idea that this would turn into more than just a one-day patrol; something extraordinary was about to develop.
The atmosphere felt promising from the moment Bolo stepped foot in the police department—he captured everyone’s hearts immediately, and his charm only grew.
“Once Bolo started warming up and interacting with everyone, people were asking, ‘Can we adopt him? Can we keep him?’” Marlif shared during her interview with The Dodo.
He Was Meant to Stay
After a day packed with joy from playing with Bolo, he finally laid down and drifted off to sleep in the middle of the police station office.
“He just kind of plopped down and started snoring,” Marlif recollected. “He snores so loudly. Seeing him completely relaxed and transition into a deep sleep was likely my favorite part of the day.”
When he finally woke up, it was time to return to the shelter. However, Bolo began to whimper, seemingly begging, “Can I please stay with you?” The sight touched the hearts of the officers present.
Marlif quickly took action.
“I brought it up to Chief Newby,” Marlif recounted. “And he replied, ‘Sure, why not? Let’s keep him.’”
Officer Marlif was ecstatic, and she promptly coordinated a plan with her colleagues. Bolo would spend his days at the police station and go home with Marlif each night.
When she took him to PetSmart for a collar, Bolo’s smile reappeared, along with the positive energy he exuded all day long.
“That’s when he got really happy,” she reflected. “He knew.”
Bolo Became the Most Popular Officer in Town
In early November, Bolo experienced a monumental moment in his life. During an official ceremony, he was inducted as the newest member of the police force, officiated by the mayor himself. He even received an official title — Hopkinsville Police Department’s first Paw-trol Officer.
“We can’t wait to follow this sweet pup’s career on the force. 🐾” the City of Hopkinsville Local Government posted on their Facebook page.
From that moment on, Officer Marlif’s office was inundated with visitors daily, not for police matters, but to see and interact with Bolo.
“Everyone drops by my office to greet him,” Marlif mentioned. “It seems like they forget it’s my workspace since Bolo has taken over.”
In addition to wanting to take pictures with him, people started bringing him treats, and he certainly didn’t mind.
“He’s basically the ultimate garbage disposal for food,” Marlif noted. “Whenever he hears any wrappers crinkling—regardless of what it is—he is right at your feet, begging for whatever is in your hand.”
Unlike the other working police dogs in the department, Bolo’s role doesn’t involve real police duties—except for being himself.
However, Bolo has shown to be the most significant source of soft power for the police, bringing his infectious positivity and delightful smile, which we believe will greatly support the dedicated officers for years to come.
