DOUGLAS, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Douglas Police Department's comfort K-9 in training, Finn, is a very good boy.
He's so good, in fact, that on Friday he was named Good Morning America's Pet Of The Week!
"This week you're going to meet a puppy who is spreading a lot of joy as he prepares for a big job," host George Stephanopolous said. Douglas Police Chief Nick Miglionico, handler Officer Brett Fulone, and dispatcher Hanna Furno appeared on Friday morning's episode of GMA on ABC, alongside the 4-month-old English chocolate Labrador.
GMA's profile of Finn was a video compilation of the pup mischievously rummaging through his handler's bags, napping in lockers, and enjoying some belly rubs at the station.
"It was definitely love at first sight when Finn first walked through the door," said dispatcher Hanna Furno. "I cried when I saw him, and I knew instantly the impact he would have."
Finn is working towards his official certification as a therapy dog. The department says he is getting some great practice in the local community while he prepares to be a comfort during critical incidents. Right now, the 12-week-old comfort-dog-in-training spends his days visiting the elderly around Douglas, and the students and faculty at local schools.
"Everybody loves to see him," his handler Officer Fulone said. "Right now he's socializing, getting used to different environments, different people."
Finn made an appearance inside the GMA studios, where Furno explained why she nominated him to be GMA's Pet Of The Week.
"He's the cutest thing that's ever walked through the door at the police department," the dispatcher said.
"Once he's fully trained over the next year, what we'd like to do is utilize him after any major crisis situations that law enforcement people or any public safety department experiences," Chief Miglionico said. "He's a natural."
Officer Fulone, who gets to take Finn home each night, said the pup has two personalities. "He's got his work personality, and he's really chill and calm at work, then when he gets home he gets to unwind," Fulone said. "My wife and my two boys spend a lot of time with him, he gets a lot of walking time..." Fulone trailed off, as Finn gave his handler his paw. "We have a four year old dog at home too and he loves to wrestle with her."
"He's got a few tricks at the moment," Fulone said. "He likes to sit in empty tubs right now, for whatever reason. And when we take him out on walks, he likes to grab the leash and lead you back into the building. He's a great dog."
Stephanopolous then awarded Finn the honor of GMA's Pet Of The Week with a medal around his neck.
(Photo: Douglas PD/Twitter)
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