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Sheriff’s office welcomes new puppy as a ‘wellness dog’

Hope, a yellow Labrador retriever puppy at the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office (courtesy of ACSO)

There’s a new sheriff’s dog in town.

Hope, a yellow Labrador retriever puppy, will serve as a “wellness dog” in the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office’s K9 unit.

Adopted from a family farm in Shannondale, W. Va., Hope is tasked with “providing emotional support and fostering well-being” among the office staff, in addition to making appearances at public events, according to a press release.

“Staff wellness and development for our sworn deputies and civilian staff is one of my key initiatives,” Arlington Sheriff Jose Quiroz said in the release. “Hope’s presence will undoubtedly bring joy and comfort to our team, and she will be a beacon of hope for the entire Arlington community.”

Once the pup completes her K9 training alongside partner Corporal Ewelina Zajkowski, she will be sworn in by Circuit Court Clerk Paul Ferguson. Hope will join the office’s other K9 unit member, Logan, a black Lab certified in drug and electronics detection.

About the Author

  • Katie Taranto is a reporter at Local News Now, primarily covering business, public safety and the city of Falls Church. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 2024, where she previously covered K-12 education at The Columbia Missourian. She is originally from Macungie, Pennsylvania.