Goldendoodle Puppy Joins Police Force As Compassion Dog: 'Officer Raymond'

A new recruit at the Hopkinton Police Department has melted hearts this week after the team announced the appointment of Officer Canine Raymond L. Hopkinton.

Twelve-week-old Goldendoodle Officer Raymond is set to begin his one-year training to become a certified compassion dog.

"Detective John Forbes approached the administration requesting that we consider adopting the program," Hopkinton Police Chief David S. Palmer told Newsweek. "There are several other departments throughout the state that have compassion dogs."

Serving as a sort of liaison for the community, a compassion dog helps to bridge gaps and ease stress for people who need to deal with the police department, while also being a great support to human colleagues.

There is a large amount of evidence that the presence of dogs can support human health and wellbeing. A 2021 study indicated that interactions with a dog can make a considerable difference to individuals suffering from distress, depression, anxiety or other mental health disorders.

A study published in 2000 also praised the value of companion dogs in a police setting. In written responses to a questionnaire completed by 255 officers who used canines in police work, almost all said that frequently playing with, talking to, and petting dogs benefited their health and wellbeing.

Virtually all officers also valued canine service and believed that the dogs enhanced the department's effectiveness.

"Raymond will provide officer wellness, victim support, promoting positive mental health and will develop a bridge from the community we serve to the police department," said Palmer. "He's training to be certified will be a year-long process, but he will be out in the public immediately."

After Det. Forbes suggested the idea of a compassion dog for the force, the team took the idea to the Town Manager who then spoke to the Town Council and everybody was enthusiastic about the idea.

"The program will be financed solely on donations," said Palmer. "IBPO Local 498 has started a GoFundMe page to help with the long-term costs of the program, while Ray Quinlan and Lydia Tiexeria who own Hopkinton Industrial Park provided a very generous donation that got the program rolling."

This donation is part of the reason that the new canine officer has received his name—Raymond.

"The name also fits the sitcom 'Everybody Loves Raymond,'" said Palmer. "Because you come in contact with him and he changes your mood immediately."

Earlier this week, a police dog retiring from the force has left the internet in tears after a viral video shared how K-9 Vilo was reading for "much needed rest."