Becoming a K-9 officer is no small feat, especially for the youngest recruits.

On Monday, April 6, 2020, the newest addition to the Bristol Police Department in Rhode Island, a sweet chocolate Labrador puppy named Brody, had his big day.

The little pup was officially sworn in as a member of the department.

This swearing-in ceremony was a significant event, marking the beginning of Brody’s important role in the community.

However, as fate would have it, Brody’s ceremony took place on a Monday, and we all know how Mondays can be—slow, sleepy, and just a little bit difficult to get through.

Though Brody was undoubtedly excited to start his new journey, the 12-week-old pup had different plans for the ceremony. Instead of standing proudly alongside his partner, Officer Keith Medeiros, Brody decided it was the perfect time to catch up on some much-needed sleep.

The entire event was broadcast live on the Bristol, R.I. Police Department’s official Facebook page, and it wasn’t long before Brody’s nap became an internet sensation.

While Police Chief Kevin Lynch delivered a heartfelt speech about the little pup, Brody was blissfully sleeping on the desk, oblivious to the world around him.

The sleepy pup only briefly stirred to pose for a photo before drifting back to dreamland.

Officer Medeiros, Brody’s handler, humorously remarked to The Dodo, “He plays really hard, and he sleeps really hard. When he’s not playing, he’s sleeping, which is kind of tough because he sleeps a lot.”

Despite Brody’s nap time, no one seemed to mind. In fact, his adorable sleepiness only added to his charm, with viewers gushing over how comfortable and content he looked.

The video of the ceremony quickly gained traction on Facebook, amassing nearly a million views. People couldn’t help but fall in love with the little K-9 who slept through his big moment.

“Better get your rest now because your work is just beginning. Woof,” commented one viewer with a smile.

Chief Lynch, fully embracing Brody’s laid-back attitude, said, “This is a very big day for the Bristol Police Department and our future. As soon as Brody wakes up, we will have a lot of successes ahead, and he is going to be a superstar for the town of Bristol. I can guarantee it.”

Brody is not just any K-9; he’s the first Comfort and Therapy dog for the Bristol Police Department. This new initiative aims to enhance the lives of the town’s residents, and Brody is expected to play a crucial role in building stronger bonds between the community and the police.

According to the Bristol, Rhode Island website, Brody’s name holds special significance. The ‘B’ represents the town of Bristol, while ‘Rody’ stands for Rhode Island [1], making his name a proud symbol of the community he serves.

Brody was generously donated to the town by Boonefield Labradors, a respected breeder of comfort and therapy dogs in Rindge, New Hampshire.

The department considered adding to the team a bomb-sniffing dog. However, Officer Medeiros proposed the idea of a therapy dog, and Brody was the perfect fit.

Brody’s responsibilities include visiting schools, spending time with nursing home residents, and offering comfort to victims of crime.

Therapy dogs like Brody provide invaluable support to people dealing with stress, anxiety, PTSD, and a host of other emotional challenges. Their presence can be a source of great comfort and hope.

Brody’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time. With the ongoing stress of the Covid-19 pandemic, the people of Bristol—and especially those in law enforcement—needed a little extra joy in their lives.

Officer Medeiros noted, “People are really stressed, especially in law enforcement. Just by walking into the police department with Brody, people immediately smile. They immediately get into a better place. They want to pet him, want to hug him, and it’s just a really good thing.”

This small K-9 officer may have big responsibilities ahead, but he will undoubtedly rise to the occasion.

Brody has already brought so much happiness to those around him, and his future in Bristol is sure to be filled with even more joy and love.

We look forward to seeing all the amazing things Brody will do, after his full sleep time, of course. To keep up with Brody and see more of his adorable adventures, you can follow his Instagram page.

Welcome to the team, K-9 Brody.

Here’s to many happy years filled with belly rubs, treats, and lots of cozy naps.

References: 

[1] Town of Bristol, Rhode Island, Official Website. (2020, August 26). K-9 Brody – Town of Bristol, Rhode Island | Official Website. https://www.bristolri.gov/departments/police/public-safety-services/brody/