In the summer, when the Christian County Animal Shelter in Hopkinsville took in an abandoned black and white Bully mix named Bolo, no one could have imagined the surprising journey his life would take in the months to come. Surrendered through animal control because the previous owner needed a smaller dog, Bolo adjusted quickly to shelter life. His bright, friendly personality made him an instant favorite among the staff, despite concerns about his breed. Unfortunately, dogs of his type often face prejudice, which can lead to long stays in shelters.
As weeks passed, Bolo continued to charm everyone at the shelter, but potential adopters overlooked him time and time again. Two months went by with no interest. Just when it seemed Bolo might spend yet another holiday season behind kennel bars, fate intervened — and it all started with a visit to the local police department.
In mid-October, the Hopkinsville Police Department launched a new initiative called “Paw-Trol Wednesday.” Led by Public Information Officer Royale Marfil, the program aimed to feature one adoptable shelter dog each week. The idea was simple but powerful: introduce these dogs to the community in a fun, relatable way that might lead to more adoptions. For the very first “Paw-Trol Wednesday,” the officers visited the shelter and selected Bolo for a one-day field trip to the police station.
That visit would end up changing everything.
The moment Bolo stepped through the doors of the Hopkinsville Police Department, he lit up the room. His energy, affection, and goofy charm won everyone over instantly. “Bolo is our four-legged friend who will be pawtrolling with us today!” the department posted on Facebook, showcasing him to the public.
But what was supposed to be just a one-day adventure quickly turned into something much bigger. According to Marfil, once Bolo got comfortable, he started playing and interacting with everyone in the office. “People were asking, ‘Can we adopt him? Can we keep him?’” she recalled in an interview with The Dodo. His easygoing nature and ability to bring smiles wherever he went made it clear: Bolo belonged here.
As the day wrapped up, Bolo seemed completely at home. He eventually curled up on the floor of the office and drifted off to sleep — snoring loudly, as if he’d finally found peace. For Marfil, this was the most touching part of the entire day. “He just kind of plopped down and started snoring,” she said. “That was probably my favorite part — watching him relax and feel safe enough to fall into a deep sleep.”
When it was time for him to return to the shelter, something unexpected happened. Bolo began whimpering as though he didn’t want to leave. The officers could feel his sadness, and it tugged at their hearts. That moment pushed Marfil to take immediate action. She approached Chief Newby with an idea: why not let Bolo stay? Without hesitation, the Chief gave his blessing.
Marfil and her fellow officers quickly came up with a plan. Bolo would be the department’s official companion dog — spending his days at the police station, spreading joy and comfort, and going home with Marfil every night. The next step was to get him settled. Marfil took him straight to PetSmart to buy a collar, and it was there that Bolo’s joy returned full force. “That’s when he got really happy,” she said. “He knew.”
By early November, Bolo’s role became official. During a special ceremony attended by the mayor himself, Bolo was formally inducted into the police force as the Hopkinsville Police Department’s first-ever “Paw-trol Officer.” The department shared the happy news with the community, writing, “We can’t wait to follow this sweet pup’s career on the force.”
Almost overnight, Bolo became a local celebrity. Marfil’s office turned into the department’s most popular spot — not because of paperwork or meetings, but because of Bolo. “Everyone pops into my office just to say hi to him,” she said. “I think people forget it’s my office now that Bolo lives here.”
Visitors often come bearing treats, and Bolo, unsurprisingly, is always happy to accept them. Marfil laughed about his enthusiasm for food, saying, “He’s just about as much of a garbage disposal as a dog can be. If he hears any wrapper crinkle, he’s right at your feet, begging.”
Unlike the department’s working K-9s, Bolo doesn’t sniff out drugs or chase down suspects. His job is much simpler — and in many ways, far more powerful. He’s there to bring happiness, reduce stress, and connect people. His presence alone makes a difference. Officers feel the benefit of his calm energy, and visitors leave the building with a smile after meeting him.
Bolo’s story is more than just a feel-good tale about a shelter dog finding a home. It’s a reminder that even the most overlooked animals have the power to change lives when given a chance. The Hopkinsville Police Department may have started “Paw-Trol Wednesday” to help dogs like Bolo find homes, but what they discovered was that sometimes, a dog doesn’t just find a home — he finds a purpose. And in doing so, he brings people together.
From abandoned pup to beloved officer, Bolo’s transformation is nothing short of heartwarming. And if his joyful snoring in the middle of a busy office is any sign, it’s safe to say he’s exactly where he’s meant to be.
