Bolo, a lovable three-year-old pit bull mix, was only supposed to spend a single day at the Hopkinsville Police Department. But sometimes, fate has other plans — and for Bolo, what was meant to be a short visit turned into a forever home when he captured the hearts of everyone he met.

For two long months, Bolo had been staying at a local animal shelter, patiently waiting for a family to call his own. That’s when he became the first dog to participate in a new initiative called “Paw-Trol Wednesdays,” a program created by Royale Marfil, the Public Information Officer at the Hopkinsville Police Department. The goal of the program, which began in mid-October, was to feature one shelter dog each week in hopes of helping them find a loving home. It was a noble idea — and Bolo’s story would prove just how impactful it could be.

When Bolo first arrived at the police department, no one knew quite what to expect. But it didn’t take long for him to make an impression. Almost immediately, officers and staff members were smitten. His friendly energy and gentle demeanor were contagious. As he grew more comfortable exploring his new surroundings, his playful personality started to shine. People couldn’t stop smiling around him, and it wasn’t long before everyone was asking the same question: “Can we keep him?”

“He just warmed up to everyone so quickly,” Marfil recalled. “Once Bolo started playing and having fun, everyone fell in love. They were all saying, ‘We want him to stay.’”

Bolo spent the day mingling with officers, getting head scratches, belly rubs, and playing with anyone who had a few minutes to spare. The excitement and joy he brought into the office were undeniable. After hours of making new friends and spreading smiles, Bolo finally curled up on the floor in Marfil’s office and fell into a deep sleep, snoring loudly.

“He just plopped down right there on the floor and started snoring,” Marfil said, laughing. “He snores like an old man. It was probably my favorite part of the day — seeing him so relaxed and feeling safe enough to sleep like that.”

But when the day came to an end and it was time for Bolo to return to the shelter, things took a more emotional turn. As soon as he realized he had to leave, Bolo lowered his head and let out a soft whimper. It was clear — he didn’t want to go. And to be honest, no one at the police department wanted him to leave either.

So Marfil brought the idea to Chief Newby. Without hesitation, he gave his approval. “Yeah, why not? Let’s keep him,” he said. And just like that, Bolo’s future changed forever.

The team quickly worked out a plan: during the day, Bolo would be a full-time presence at the police department, greeting visitors, lifting spirits, and bringing joy to the workplace. At night, he’d go home with Marfil, ensuring he had a warm, loving environment around the clock.

When Marfil took Bolo to PetSmart to pick out a collar and some toys, she said it was like a light bulb went off for him. “That’s when he really knew,” she said. “He was just so happy. You could see it all over his face. He knew he had finally been chosen.”

In early November, the department made it official. In a heartwarming ceremony, Bolo was sworn in as the first-ever Paw-trol Officer for the Hopkinsville Police Department. He even received his own title, adding a special touch to his already inspiring journey. Since then, Bolo has become something of a celebrity around the office.

Marfil jokes that she’s had to get used to people walking into her office not to see her — but to visit Bolo. “People will just pop in and say, ‘Where’s Bolo?’” she said with a smile. “It’s like my office doesn’t belong to me anymore. It’s his space now.”

Bolo, of course, doesn’t mind the attention one bit. In fact, he’s developed quite a routine — and a few habits. Whenever someone stops by, he eagerly waits for a treat. And if he hears any kind of wrapper being opened, even from across the room, he rushes over just in case it’s something tasty.

“He’s basically a furry garbage disposal,” Marfil said, laughing. “If there’s food around, or he thinks there’s food around, he’s right there. It doesn’t matter what it is — chips, granola bars, even a cough drop — he wants to see what you’ve got.”

But while Bolo doesn’t have to perform any official duties like the trained police dogs on the force, he plays a vital role that’s equally important. His job is simply to be himself — warm, welcoming, and full of love.

“He has the biggest smile on his face every day,” Marfil said. “And if you pet him, he’ll smile even more. If someone is having a rough day, Bolo is right there with that big goofy grin, making things just a little bit better.”

For everyone at the Hopkinsville Police Department, Bolo has become more than just a pet — he’s family. His story is a reminder that sometimes, the best partnerships happen when you least expect them. Bolo may have started off as a shelter dog hoping for a second chance, but now he’s a cherished member of a team, loved by all, and living the life he always deserved.