New Bedford Police Department welcomes very own compassion dog, ‘Rosie’

New Bedford police announce its newest addition to the department, our very own compassion dog Rosie!

Rosie’s handler will be our veteran school resource officer, Jeremy Demello. Ofc. Demello is assigned to Roosevelt Middle School where he works with school administrators, security staff, and faculty to ensure a safe and secure environment. Rosie’s role will be interacting with members of the public providing therapeutic benefits through companionship to reduce anxiety and provide comfort.

We want to give a big thank you to Rosie’s breeder, Kerry Buckley of Cove Angels Breeding for generously donating her to our department. We would also like to thank Mellisa Raposo from Mellisa’s Pet Depot for her donation of a starter package for Rosie.

This is a great day for the NBPD. We’ve been given a new tool to assist us in reaching out to the public and supporting people in a way that is unlike any other. Studies show that short-term interactions with compassion dogs can significantly reduce anxiety and stress levels. And now Rosie will provide that comfort to our students, citizens, and even our own officers.

Rosie will raise her right paw and join our family in a swearing-in ceremony tomorrow, October 7, at Roosevelt Middle School ??”-New Bedford Police Department.

New Bedford Police Department photo.

New Bedford Police Department photo.