Shelter dog sworn in as honorary Bethel Park K9 officer as he searches for forever home
A new officer was sworn in with the Bethel Park Police Department on Saturday, looking for "disorderly biscuits" and "scritchy scratches."
Leo, a rescue dog who has been searching for his forever home for far too long, was named an honorary K-9 officer for the day. He "pawtrolled" the community with Bethel Park police in hopes he'll be able to nab a new family.
The boxer/pittie mix is described as 65 pounds "of pure love." He's the longest-tenured resident at Angel Ridge Animal Rescue in Washington County.
"This is just going to be some amazing visibility for Leo," said Hannah Ketterman, volunteer and board member for Angel Ridge Animal Rescue.
Leo hasn't found a permanent owner, though.
He spent the day with Community Resource Officer Amber DiFranco. DiFranco isn't sure how Leo hasn't been adopted yet.
"Leo's such a great dog, and the fact that he doesn't have a home yet is just shocking to me," she said.
Stories like his are why she and the Bethel Park Police Department wanted to help.
"I noticed that a couple of other police departments were doing this," DiFranco said.
Leo also made some stops at the Brightwood Road fire station before moving on to the South Park Shops. He ended the morning by visiting some local community events.
"We're really trying to let people know how great of a dog he is, DiFranco said.
But they also want to help other rescue animals find shelters, too.
"We're seeing more and more animals in shelters. More overcrowding, and unfortunately, higher euthanasia rates," Ketterman said.
For Ketterman, a Bethel Park native, a day like Saturday is a collision of worlds.
"Bringing the love of my community together and the love of animal rescue? I'm here for it," she said.
The police department said it plans to feature different animals from a "variety" of shelters throughout the year.
For more information about adopting Leo or any of Angel Ridge's other animals, visit their website.
