Trained Facility Dog

June 18, 2020

Norfolk Police welcomed a new recruit on Wednesday; meet Lilly from Mutts with a Mission!

Lilly is joining the Norfolk Police Department as their first certified law enforcement facility dog after having trained two years in Portsmouth with the non-profit. The organization is accredited with Assistance Dogs International and specializes in training dogs to serve the needs of veterans, wounded warriors and first responders.

Mutts with a Mission selected Lilly specifically for the Norfolk Police Department due to her sweet temperament and sociable demeanor.

“There’s nothing like the support of a dog following a difficult day,” said Chief Larry D. Boone. “As a former K-9 officer, I enjoyed the companionship of a full-time partner. I look forward to seeing my officers experience that same joy and the benefits it will have on their well-being.”

Lilly has now been brought onto the force to help officers and staff members throughout the department following stressful situations, counseling sessions, interviews, and roll calls as a facility dog.

Officer John Hines, Lilly’s handler, is part of the Peer Support Unit and trained with her for two months at Mutts with a Mission. Lilly will work alongside Officer Hines everywhere he goes during his daily duties and will live with him full-time. Officials say Lilly currently knows 40 commands and has adjusted well to her family of 800 plus officers and professional staff members.

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