Social media users swoon over Blue, a comfort dog hired by Rhode Island police department
A Rhode Island police department is swearing in its newest hire, and he’s cute, cuddly and ready for duty.
A 10-week-old black lab named Blue made his social media debut in August as the first-ever comfort and therapy dog officer for the Tiverton Police Department, about 20 miles southeast of Providence.
His first day on the job was Sept. 7, and USA TODAY got to speak with Blue's handler on Monday.
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Officer's idea for a comfort dog
Tiverton Officer Shaun Wilson is the one who thought the department could use a comfort dog.
"I’ve always wanted to be a K9 officer," Wilson told USA TODAY. "When I saw the need and the rewarding outcome of a comfort dog I started looking into it more.
The police department picked Blue up from Boonefield Labradors, a company that breeds and trains Labrador retrievers as therapy and comfort dogs.
"The program helps bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community," Wilson said. "It is important to be able to help build upon that relationship."
Blue joins the department's other therapy pet, Scrappy the cat.
"She has provided a lot of comfort to the officers and staff at the department," Wilson said.
Blue isn’t the first therapy dog in the region. There’s also Hank, Boonefield Police Department's first comfort dog, and Brody, who works at the Bristol Police Department a few towns over, according to Facebook posts.
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Blue, reporting for duty
Blue's first day on the job was busy but full of fun, Wilson said.
He met his fellow officers, as well as members of the fire department. He visited town hall and got a checkup at the veterinarian’s office. He later got to meet Tiverton High School students, went to a concert and stopped by Starbucks for his first pup cup.
Blue checked out some books at the library and this past weekend, he went apple picking and had his first swim.
A social media sensation
In a picture posted last week, Blue sits at a computer desk appearing a bit down but oh-so-cute. The desk duty photo caught the attention of community members who chimed in about the department's newest addition.
“Mastered ‘Sit up straight’, ‘Stay’ and is ready to type already - WOW,” wrote one Facebook user.
“Good for you guys,” wrote another person underneath a photo of Blue wearing his police dog gear. “That pup will help some traumatized citizen or officer feel a bit better some day.”
Wilson said Blue spends his days off being a "normal pup." Wilson takes him to different places so he'll be comfortable in any situation. He goes to games, nursing homes and more.
Wilson said Blue, whose adventures you can track here, has helped all sorts of people in Tiverton:
"He has brought a new spark to our little town."