Hampton Police Department's new recruit: 9-week Lab to be 'community's dog'
HAMPTON — It’s no secret cuddling a friendly pup can relieve stress. That’s why many dogs are brought in to help traumatized children, soldiers, the sick, the disabled, and elderly who need some TLC.
The positive impact a well-trained, sociable dog has on those they interact with is why the Hampton Police Department is starting its new comfort dog program.
Police Chief Alex Reno said they are welcoming a 9-week-old yellow Labrador puppy to the department's ranks this Friday.
The dog’s role, he said, will be to visit and comfort the community. That includes visiting local schools and children, as well as residents who attend community events and monthly Coffee with the Chief sessions. Comfort animals, he said, can also help de-stress those affected by the difficult things police responders encounter.
Portsmouth, Exeter, and Amesbury, Massachusetts, police departments have successful comfort dog programs.
The town’s Select Board signed off on the new program on July 22.
“Can we have one stipulation that the dog attends selectmen’s meetings?,” Select Board Chair Amy Hanson joked. “He’ll lay right here at my feet. That seems fair.”
Reno said nearly all the costs for Hampton’s dog will be funded through private donations, including $3,000 from CrimeLine for the Hamptons to purchase the dog from Integrity Farms in Loudon. He said they plan to select a police staff member as the dog’s primary handler, responsible for its wellbeing, including taking him home from the police station at night. The handler will also take the dog for training, including obedience, at Hampton’s My Dog’s Mind, some of which is being donated by owner Terrence Kirby.
Major development: North Beach condo, restaurant project draws mixed reactions
Hampton police need help naming new comfort dog
The puppy — a golden ball of fur yet to be named — is one of a litter of 13 born at the Hampton home of Steve O’Neil.
O’Neil said he’s partners with Brenda Mazzaglia, of Integrity Farms, where Labradors have been carefully bred for decades to be calm, gentle, congenial animals. Many, he said, go on to be family pets and personal companions, as well as comfort and support dogs.
Reno said two police officers have already applied to become the dog’s handler. He hopes to convene a panel to choose between candidates this week.
Once the handler is selected, the next job will be picking a name for the little guy.
Reno said that is going to be a town-wide decision.
“We truly want to make this the community’s dog,” he said.
By Friday, July 26, Reno said the department will post five possible names for the Lab on its Facebook page, along with instructions on how residents can cast their votes. Reno especially hopes local children will get involved in the naming contest.
Reno said the town won’t have to wait long for the results. On August 6, at Hampton’s National Night Out festivities, the pup will be introduced in person to the community, complete with a name.
Taking place at Tuck Field, Reno said National Night Out features face painting, emergency vehicles, police K9 demonstrations, games, a dunk tank, food trucks and the live band Redemption.
He's 'got big paws to fill': Seabrook police officer finds new partner in Hunter
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Hampton PD's new recruit: 9-week Lab to be 'community's dog'
