In a ceremony that brought smiles to many, Brody, the Bristol Police Department’s newest K9 therapy dog, officially joined the force. While most recruits would be standing at attention during their swearing-in, little Brody had other plans—he napped his way through the event, earning laughs and endearment from everyone present.
The department brought Brody on board as a therapy dog to help alleviate stress among law enforcement officers and the community. Though his arrival coincided with social distancing protocols, making in-person interactions more challenging, his timing couldn’t have been better. In a time when stress and uncertainty were high, Brody became a much-needed source of comfort and joy.
“People are really stressed, especially in law enforcement,” said Officer Keith Medeiros, Brody’s handler, in an interview with The Dodo. “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.”
Brody’s impact was immediate, and his debut moment—captured in a Facebook video of the swearing-in ceremony—quickly went viral. The clip shows the little pup snoozing peacefully, oblivious to the formalities around him. His relaxed demeanor seemed to perfectly embody his role as a calming presence.
The video sparked an outpouring of love and admiration online, with people commending the department’s decision to bring in a therapy dog. Brody may have been asleep on duty during his big moment, but he’s already hard at work brightening lives.
Brody’s story is a reminder of the power of therapy animals and the positive impact they can have on mental health and morale. For the Bristol Police Department, their newest recruit is more than just a cute face—he’s a vital part of their mission to serve and support their community.
And for Brody? It’s safe to say he’s living his best life—bringing smiles, wagging his tail, and napping his way into everyone’s hearts.
