Meet Beko – the Berkshires’ first police comfort dog

The term “police” refers to law enforcers, “To Protect and to Serve”, safety, peace and order, and much more.

It might be tough as it sounds, but this little dog has decided to join the force and his job is just a little bit different than all of his workmates’.

And he looks forward to bringing “comfort” to everyone.

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Meet Beko, the police comfort dog.

He is a new addition to the Great Barrington Police Department. This cute little K9 is just 10 weeks old but is already undergoing training, and the entire community is excited to see K9 Beko in action.

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According to the Town of Great Barrington (a town in Berkshire County, Massachusetts), an officer named Kris Balestro works with their department’s new police comfort dog.

Beko is being trained for him to learn how to respond to 911 calls that involve mental health issues, emergency calls with regards to children, and community engagement.

Together with Officer Balestro, they are also expected to visit schools and nursing homes.

“People are more likely to approach a friendly dog, which gives us the chance to have a positive and productive dialog with people,” said Officer Balestro.

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Also, once he gets certified, police comfort dog Beko will visit hospitals, community events, children’s events, and go on lots of walks within the community to meet and greet people.

K9 Beko is not expected to do the usual risky police work because he is a comfort/therapy dog.

From the name of his role itself which is “comfort”, he is being trained to engage with the entire community and bring comfort to people.

He is going to be one of the main sources of comfort for the entire Berkshire County.

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Beko is Berkshire County police station’s first therapy dog.

It was all made possible by breeders Peggi and Dave Brogan of Boonefield Labradors in New Hampshire. They were the ones who donated the charming pooch to the Berkshire County police.

Sergeant Paul Storti with the support of Chief William Walsh, Sgt. Adam Carlotto, Town Manager, Mark Pruhenski, and the Selectboard, proposed and organized this program into becoming a success for the town of Great Barrington.

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According to AKC:

“Therapy dogs are privately owned canines. These dogs and their owners volunteer in places like schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. Therapy dogs are not considered service animals. They do not have the same rights as specially trained service dogs like guide dogs, but they do bring joy and comfort to the people they visit.”

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While there are also animals called Emotional Support Animals (ESA), these animals:

“…do not have the same rights as service dogs and do not need specialized training to handle a task. They provide emotional support through their presence. These dogs can offer powerful aid to owners with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and phobias.”

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K9 Beko became an official police comfort dog of the Great Barrington Police Department!

He took an oath last September 26 and is now a full-fledged police comfort dog of the Berkshire county.

They wrote in a social media post:

“Today I took an Oath of Office and received my badge from Chief Walsh. The start of my new career! We wanted to say thank you to everyone who has made this possible and supported us along the way. Keep an eye out for me around town!”

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To see more of his journey as a police comfort dog, follow his Instagram account at @k9bekogbpd.

Watch the video below to see a glimpse of the cute police comfort dog, K9 Beko!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: WWLP.com, YouTube/Ellen Lahr, AKC, Instagram/k9bekogbpd

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