The Illinois State University Police Department is raising money for its first "PAW-fficer."
Police Chief Aaron Woodruff said the department is raising $4,000 to adopt Sage, a 2-year-old black labrador who failed out of special needs assistance training.
“This dog in particular, its problem was it's too social, it liked too much attention,” Woodruff laughed. “So it was a perfect fit for us. It’s a dog that is extremely well trained. It’s been in training for a year and a half.”
Sage won’t be trained like most police canines: sniffing out drugs, tracking, or chasing down suspects. Woodruff said the department was looking for a loving, social dog for ISU students to connect with.
He said Sage will have one primary duty: community engagement.
“Part of our mission is to educate students, and I think one of the ways we can help educate students is the role law enforcement plays in society,” Woodruff said. “And in order to do that, the students have to be able to approach the officers and have these types of discussions and be willing to speak to police.”
The money will be used to adopt Sage and provide for her care, training, and more. Sage was trained and is certified by the Supporting Independence through Teamwork Service Dogs.
Donations can be made on the Illinois State University website.
Woodruff said the department plans to bring Sage home to ISU once the $4,000 goal is met.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id9eQ2UYCGk
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