Cops Have A Brilliant Idea To Help Out Shelter Dogs

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Cops Have A Brilliant Idea To Help Out Shelter Dogs

La Vista Police Department in Nebraska decided they wanted to help out more than they already do. The department knew there were many animal shelters in the area who were over-crowded and having trouble getting their animals adopted.

Captain Bryan D. Waugh had heard about a program in Wisconsin, called K-9 For A Day, where shelters and police departments pair up to help each other out, and he knew it was something La Vista could get involved with, as well.

"Any agency looking for a great community policing opportunity would benefit from the program, while strengthening the relationship with their partners at local animal shelters or rescues," Waugh says.

"We love this partnership," Pam Wiese, a spokesperson for the Nebraska Humane Society, says. "The dogs are more relaxed, and they are able to showcase their personalities as they interact in a more normal, natural way."

La Vista Police Department teamed up with the Nebraska Humane Society to get the project started. The shelter knew exactly who they wanted to send on the first run: Mickey.

Mickey is a six-year-old dog who had spent four months at the Humane Society and just needed someone to notice him.

"Oftentimes animals that are out of this environment have a better chance of getting adopted-- if people see them in a normal environment rather than here," Wiese says.

"It was obvious our first dog Mickey had a great day," Waugh says.

Of course, there was a goal at the end of the day: to get Mickey adopted.

"It seemed like a win-win for both of us, where we could definitely continue our programs with involving our community, but also help the Humane Society find a great home for a great dog," Waugh says.

Because of the media attention surrounding Mickey's big day, Shannon Andresen saw him and felt an instant connection. Andresen told her boyfriend they had to adopt Mickey right away.

"I said, "˜Tyler, get me that dog and you'll make me the happiest girl in the world,'" Andresen says. "Game over."

The couple went to see Mickey on Saturday, and on Sunday night they were signing the adoption papers to bring him home.

"He is absolutely perfect," Andresen says.

"We were thrilled that Mickey's exposure got him a new home, and the right home too!" Wiese says. "That is really what our mission is, finding a good home for every pet."

"We absolutely love him," Andresen says. "He's so perfect that I can't get over it."

Do you think more police departments should use this method? Let us know!

Meagan has an intense love for Netflix, napping, and carbs.