The Idaho Humane Society (IHS) is thrilled to report that Clover, a 2-year-old golden retriever, will be joining the Boise Police Department (BPD) on Monday, October 18th at 11am.
The media is invited to join in the festivities on Clover’s adoption day into her new role as BPD’s Officer Wellness and Community Outreach dog. The adoption will occur at the Idaho Humane Society’s Adoption Center at 1300 S. Bird Street, Boise, Idaho 83709.
Clover came to the Idaho Humane Society severely underweight, depressed, and listless. The emaciated dog had been sick for several months, frequently vomiting after meals. IHS veterinarians examined her and performed diagnostic tests to determine the cause of her illness. Her bloodwork suggested liver disease, but x-rays were taken, and several very large objects were discovered in her intestinal tract which had caused an intestinal blockage.
An IHS veterinarian performed intestinal surgery to remove the foreign bodies which were difficult to identify due to how long they had been in her body. They likely were the remnants of some type of rubber toy. A liver biopsy was taken and after surgery, she was hospitalized at IHS for care and nutritional support before she was released to home care with an IHS foster parent. After eleven weeks, Clover completely recovered. Her bloodwork is now normal, and her weight has increased from 27 pounds to nearly 40.
The Boise Police Department Bike Unit contacted IHS staff because they were looking for a new dog to adopt into their unit. “We instantly knew that Clover would be a great fit as she naturally performs many of the duties of an outreach canine including having a very stable and friendly disposition. In addition, she’s highly trainable, and she loves people and other pets.” said Tiffany Shields, Clover’s foster parent and the director of Animal Care and Control.
BPD officers interviewed Clover and decided she was an excellent candidate for their position.
“With the creation of the Training, Education, and Development Division earlier this year, we made it one of our goals to prioritize officer wellness. As part of those efforts, officers researched ways to positively impact the personal health of our officers, staff, and community members.” said Boise Police Chief Ryan Lee. “Having Clover as a Wellness canine will aide us in our efforts to provide emotional support during the stressful events that often occur in this profession.”
Clover is just one of the hundreds of pets that enter the IHS shelter with life-threatening medical conditions each year. “Donations from our supporters have funded the purchase of the digital x-ray system, ultrasound, automated laboratory equipment and other instruments that allow IHS veterinarians to diagnose and treat these pets,” said Idaho Humane Society CEO, Jeff Rosenthal.
Donors may contribute to support medical and surgical equipment for either of the IHS veterinary hospitals or provide general support for IHS programs online at Idahohumanesociety.org/donations. The Idaho Humane Society is the largest and oldest animal welfare organization and veterinary charity in the state. We are a private 501(c)3 organization that relies on donations to provide programs and services that benefit animals in Idaho.
Related Media:
- https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/boise-police-outreach-canine-adopt-idaho-humane-society/277-1e20ff6f-a0d9-4d89-a045-957684f6c1b6
- https://idahonews.com/news/local/idaho-humane-society-shelter-dog-to-join-boise-police-department
- https://kidotalkradio.com/idaho-humane-society-dog-clover-becomes-a-boise-police-officer-photos/
- https://liteonline.com/boise-police-adopt-a-sweet-dog-from-the-idaho-humane-society/
- https://spotonidaho.com/boise-region/535179/idaho-humane-society-dog-clover-becomes.html
- https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2406221264836/boise-police-are-adopting-a-sweet-dog-from-the-idaho-humane-society
- https://www.dailyadvent.com/news/4166e8ed3d933beebfd39e439a0e54e8-Boise-Police-adopts-outreach-canine-from-Idaho-Humane-Society
- https://www.cityofboise.org/news/police/2021/october/boise-police-department-welcomes-new-wellness-canine/