Shelter dog becomes Fort Worth police K-9 officer

Getting a police dog from overseas can be expensive, but the Fort Worth Police Department saved a lot of taxpayer money and saved a life by rescuing from the city's shelter.

[@karlsangree4679]

My partner K-9 Ernie came from a shelter. Best K-9 partner I ever had. We retired together and I was able to adopt him at retirement so we're together for life.

[@user-gc4zy2sr2g]

As it should be. Thank you both for your service.

[@jeffdur1330]

Sure bro

[@trinitywright7122]

Yay🎉

[@christinebuckingham8369]

Thank you Both for your Service - so happy you were able to adopt him! 🙏❤️❤️

[@jordanlalonde2507]

Awesome!

[@magala9287]

A great triple win: 1) The animal shelter gets the dogs rescued with new owners. 2) The police department gets the right dogs more or less for free. 3) The dogs get a new lease on life. Everyone benefits!

[@lisanguyen6324]

Quadruple if you account that the shelter frees up space to save and house another animal in need!

[@ro--M]

4) in best case scenario the dog was abandoned by a drug trafficker who gets caught by his former furry friend

[@MariaTorres-hc5uq]

@@ro--M That's the best one!🤣

[@everydayiseveryday4529]

And after their retirement they get the best homes..

[@christinebuckingham8369]

@@everydayiseveryday4529Usually and Hopefully their Handlers who they’ve deeply bonded with and their families! 🙏💙🐕‍🦺👮‍♂️💙🙏

[@nicoletambasco9210]

He’s a good looking boy! You can see he’s a charmer too.

[@angelacarol9368]

He loves his job too! ❤️🐶

[@JTD472]

Probably depends on who you ask how charming he is haha Edit: oh I guess he’s just for alerting to drugs and such. My joke no longer applies. Huge bummer for all of us, yes.

[@daCubanaqt]

He’s beautiful!!🥰🥰

[@lilyjameson5156]

Yes! He looks just like my beautiful black shepherd, Jack. He died in 2022, but I still miss him every day. He was such a great dog! I can tell that Rock is too.

[@Pittymom]

Thank you for promoting shelters & to rescue dogs!!! They are hidden gems!!! I know I have 2 treasures I would die without ❤

[@melonienercuit]

💯💯💯

[@julieanne5373]

All of my babies have been rescues. I wouldn’t look anywhere else. ☮️💟

[@Pittymom]

@@julieanne5373 Nor would I!!

[@tmyap112]

W 🐶 W 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😻

[@jeskac209]

Me too. Im a blessed owner of two rescued dogs and cats.

[@kepckatherinec805]

What a gorgeous dog! I’m sorry he was abandoned by previous owners, but now he is living a fabulous life full of love, appreciation and purpose.

[@sophiab3005]

Their loss for sure! ❤️

[@jlam3927]

Perhaps he was abandoned because he attacked people. Now he's found a home where he can go about his evil business.

[@user-yy7hg4ph6f]

@@jlam3927 I think you may be the evil one.....😬

[@jlam3927]

@@user-yy7hg4ph6f I think you lick boots.

[@cynthiatolman326]

I don't think Rock is an anomaly, I'll bet countrywide there are thousands of dogs who have the right stuff. When will people stop buying dogs? Every breed is available for adoption, let's stop the killing of wonderful dogs. Way to go Rock!❤

[@marrmaladee]

the only reason "every breed" is available for adoption is due to backyard breeders. Support ETHICAL breeding and shelters/rescues. Not every shelter is sunshine and rainbows, nor every breeder.

[@apbt067]

@@marrmaladeenot really it’s do to sorry people that’s the biggest cause.

[@christip20]

Yes! There are!

[@dontworryboutitsweetheart]

I totally agree. It takes time... patience, and a lot of (commitment) hard work. LET ME CLARIFY.... There is dog for every job. All dogs aren't going to apprehend, obviously... but may be good at therapy in court, or retirement home. Endless jobs, allllll can work with the above, requirements....imo

[@3cheese711]

​@marrmaladee me personally I'd rather get a dog from a ethical breeder, I want to know what im getting and if it's coming from a good line. That being said I think it's great other are adopting but it's important to support ethical breeders. Reason I wanna know what I'm getting is because I'm doing serious training, not just obedience but agility too and good genetics play a role in how durable your dogs body is. Currently training a Doberman in agility. She's got the seesaw, tunnels, jumps, tires and weaving poles down. Now we're working on her doing basically a handstand against a wall, she knows what to do just needs to get better at it. (I taught her that within 1 night)

[@Periwinkleblue.]

Fantastic!!! He looks like he was born for this role. How awesome. Thank you for saving him and giving him purpose! ❤

[@christinebuckingham8369]

👍💯💙🐕‍🦺👮‍♂️💙

[@Kimmonarch]

…that’s what I’m saying too…I’m pretty sure that is a Belgium malinois…they are amazing!!! Will be a good choice got this work. They were born for this…absolutely!

[@davidwilliams1086]

Probably was. Too many owner Turn in for dogs that are high energy.

[@davidwilliams1086]

​@@KimmonarchI saw one one the video.

[@Kimmonarch]

@@davidwilliams1086 I’m sure that’s what mine is…after a friend pointed it out, it made much more sense to me why she does (or can do, I should say) the things she does…she literally climbs fences…no matter how high…it gave me much more appreciation for her than the frustration I was feeling…she loves to visit the neighbor to say hello and she has been known to show up at places she’s only been to once when she would “get out” She was picked up by the animal shelter who was also amazed by her. When coming in one morning the lady said she couldn’t believe that my dog was out amongst the other dogs in cages. Related to her that she can surely climb…she replied back “it was an enclosed cage” to this day, they still don’t know how she did that.

[@JillABaker970]

What a beautiful story Amazing shelter animals are some of the very best animals you can find I’m so happy they are using shelter dogs

[@patjohnson5586]

what a wonderful story - he is gorgeous - THANK YOU

[@robinshane4661]

He is so adorable. Thank you for seeing value in that shelter dog. ❤

[@christinebuckingham8369]

👍💯💯💯❤️

[@hagamapama]

An officer who has this attitude will also see value in people who are down on their luck. the best kind of officers

[@noblackzone]

Yes a lot of adorable shelter dogs

[@j.cassavoy4661]

Always adopt, don't shop. So nice to see how smart this police department is. Shelters are full of perfect dogs and cats ❤

[@mp_8]

This is great, all the dogs in shelters deserve second chances. And they are great dogs. Thank you to the police department ❤

[@gloriaeller4328]

Congrats Rock. I know you will be an amazing K-9 officer for the Fort Worth Police Department. Thanks for saving a shelter dogs life. I am truly grateful.

[@carlberg7503]

Bravo! Everybody wins. Great gratitude to the Fort Worth police for rescuing dogs. Heartbreaking to see so many amazing dogs locked up in shelters.

[@emmagillard2151]

This is great. And sets a good example for the public too. So many great dogs in shelters

[@frankrizzo4460]

Wow he looks exactly like my black German Shepherd he gets up very early in the morning and has breakfast with me before work. I love these animals they love us unconditionally and would protect us with their lives.

[@kashismom]

That’s awesome! Other Police departments with K9’s should follow your lead and save a life from the shelter.

[@Honeybee1975..]

That is so awesome! Not only do these dogs get rescued but they get a new lease on life with a loving family and they get to be with their handlers throughout the day.

[@jacquelineaslan8403]

What a great story. God bless all of our officers!

[@gladysanderson1351]

Hats off to your department for saving wonderful dogs, and saving taxpayer money in the process! We have a shelter rescue ourselves, and she is a treasure! Rock is beautiful, so smart, and an obvious valuable player in your department.

[@lowrider419fly]

What an intelligent looking dog!

[@hagamapama]

gsd re one of the most intelligent breeds which can make them high maintenance but also very trainable

[@Kenna198]

You can see it in his eyes how intelligent he is

[@halloumi420]

Yes he is but I love how goofy and playful he looks too! Best of both worlds😍

[@carriebradley7634]

Rhis is fantastic. A guge win for the department...the dog. ..and the walket of tax payers! Nicely done!

[@LauraRoberts-ed9nj]

He is such a Handsome boy!!❤

[@milliebean6687]

Thank you officers 😢😢😢

[@ruthresetar5940]

Yes, indeed! ❤

[@susanmacatangay4209]

What a wonderful plan to start with a shelter dog. Shelter dogs are magnificent animals.

[@vpej8508]

This is Awesome! I think its a great idea for lots of Law Enforcement Branches, to do this too! This is also a great idea for retired military that needs a support animal, guide dogs etc. Hope more will copy this Department. 👍

[@nomoreincnomoreinc5100]

Omg, look at his handsome face.

[@conqueringlion420]

God bless the officer who saved our beloved AKC Champion German shepherd

[@apbt067]

The akc is a joke.

[@Brownsocksflirt]

@@apbt067 just because the litter you came from was t recognized, doesn’t mean you have a right to insult the AKC.

[@racher4593]

Great job, officers. If you want a dog, please consider your local shelter, and please consider the older dogs there. They always have a lot of love to give.

[@Willow76ny]

Never under estimate the loyalty of a shelter dog. They are some of the best pets you’ll ever have.

[@Bebedollie]

He's such a good boy !! Love him ❤

[@jenneypinkston5881]

Amazing!!! ⭐⭐⭐Thank you so much for saving K9 Rock and his fellow K9 officers....each on a new journey !!! Stay safe y'all 🙏 💙🐾🐾💙🙏

[@francescacastiglione7094]

He’s beautiful and so glad he was chosen for K-9 work!

[@tonischolz2231]

Thank you for adopting shelter dogs

[@vcwloves9864]

All departments need to look at shelter dogs first!!! ❤❤❤ What a beautiful story.

[@Trace9598]

Gorgeous dog. Dogs in the shehrer can do the same as these dogs who are bred to become police dogs and military dogs. I don't t like seeing animals used in the pilice dept or military at all, they sre put in danger.and are the first ones are sent out in dangerous situation. . These dogs do the hard work that no human can do. IIs wonderful that this dog was saved and adopted. This is what every police dept and the military should be doing is going to shelters and rescues and adoptung and saving dogs like this beautiful dog who was saved. This is so wonderful ❤

[@chichitex1252]

What a wonderful rescue! Saved his life and protects all of us citizens!❤❤❤

[@joanns.6380]

This makes me so very happy. Thank you to the Fort Worth Police Department for giving this dog a purpose in life and a life full of love. God Bless You All !!!!

[@peggynulsen1365]

What a handsome fella. A thousand thumbs up for rescuing a shelter dog.

[@nooneyouknow5516]

I could not love this any more! What a great story, saving taxpayer dollars and dogs while catching the bad guys. Promoting adoption of strays.... Way to go to all of you! ❤❤❤❤❤❤🐾🐾🐾🐾

[@rosehelmich2979]

Such a beautiful, intelligent dog!! Kudos to the Ft. Worth Police Department for saving his life!!!!!❤️🐾

[@philoctetes_wordsworth]

Let this be a lesson to towns and cities everywhere. Breeders are not the only sources of effective, and even exemplary canine officers.🤗🤗🤗Also: animals rescued from shelters have a different perspective, on life. They are so very grateful.

[@KohalaLover]

Who’s the good boy?! K-9 Rock is. Thank you for saving a life. Hope Rock will receive a vest to keep him protected. I wish more police departments would adopt shelter dogs.

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

K9 Officer, Rock, is beautiful, strong, and intelligent. I hope he serves the Fort Worth Police Department for as long as possible.

[@howdy90]

Beautiful doggie 🐕!

[@ruthresetar5940]

Working dogs gotta work.

[@karenstafford724]

He is absolutely gorgeous. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@charise89]

Congratulations Rock!!! Remain safe!!! Thank you for saving him and thinking on yr feet! 🙏

[@tharris4169]

Aww Rock you have just rocked my world thak you for all the great work that you do lot's of love from south Wales UK ❤🐕❤️🇬🇧🇺🇲

[@kathleen7825]

Absolutely Awesome 👍💗🐕 Thank you for saving a his life 🙏 God Bless The Earth Angels 🙏💗🐕🐾

[@vcwloves9864]

Both of my dogs are rescues-- one full bred German Shephard was rescued from a breeder. As a pup, he was returned because he was sick. The breeder was going to put him down. I decided to take him, not knowing the expense that it would take for him to survive, but it's been worth it! He's a better companion than a few cheeseburgers and concerts ever will be. ❤

[@greg1288]

Huge thank you to the FWPD for your contribution in helping to find homes and in Rocky’s case a Job! Wishing Officer Rocky a long healthy and adventurous career! God bless

[@SweetColo]

He’s a working dog and they are Happiest when they have a job. They both won the lottery!❤❤❤❤❤. Great story ❤

[@musclemary2227]

This should be the first option, I'm glad they are promoting this ❤

[@lilyjameson5156]

THANK YOU for saving dogs from your local shelter!! There are so many healthy, wonderful dogs in shelters who are simply dumped there by selfish, irresponsible owners who conveniently forget that dogs are a lifetime commitment - the dog's life - not just until their owners move, or have a baby, or meet a new partner who doesn't want a pet! Rock is gorgeous (looks just like my rescued black shepherd) and obviously great at what he does, and he's so blessed. I wish all were just as blessed. PLEASE keep spreading the word. Sadly, there are too many amazing animals who end up in shelters through no fault of their own.... and who die waiting for someone to save them because they run out of time (they only get a short time). God bless you and all dogs!!

[@deem7478]

Rescue and shelter is the way to go. It's laughable how people say they "adopted" a dog when, in fact, they "bought" the dog from a puppy mill pet shop or backyard breeder.

[@charlotteh7766]

Beautiful dog and beautiful hoomans! 🇺🇲🫶🇩🇰

[@kaceo.damondaze5270]

Such a good boy! Thank you, Fort Worth PD for giving shelter dogs a chance!

[@tammyward2932]

Now that is a Love story!!! Blessings to ALL whom adopt a rescued animal and love them!! 🥰🙏💯🤗

[@wendydimon9934]

That is fantastic!

[@GunGirl1776]

That is absolutely amazing! What a smart boy!

[@trixie898989]

What a wonderful story!

[@ES11777]

Hope they keep him safe! Sweet precious dog ❤

[@chrisc2683]

This is great. And the fact that they’re wise enough to NOT use him for apprehension work is even better.

[@susancregg472]

Why is that (honest question-I love dogs, but don't know much about them in this regard).

[@chrisc2683]

@@susancregg472 Since his origins are unknown and he probably doesn't come from working lines, he might not have the temperament for that type of work.

[@susancregg472]

@@chrisc2683 Interesting. So that type of temperament can be bred for? Or do the parent dogs teach the pups?

[@chrisc2683]

@@susancregg472 I’m far from an expert but working line dogs are usually purposely and selectively bred. The breeder looks for certain traits in dogs that would show if they’d be fit as a military working dog or a police K9. Even within the working line German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd and Belgian Malinois, not all of the dogs are going to be suitable for that type of role.

[@susancregg472]

@@chrisc2683 Interesting! Thanks!

[@katz734]

Never know just where you’ll find the next hero. ❤️🐶❤️

[@lauramoore8272]

My uncle now retired was a Florida State Trooper with K9. He got Mickey the same way. Highly decorated and he was a shelter dog. I applaud any law enforcement agencies doing this. My uncle went on to go state to state to certify these dogs. His literally had contracts out in them. He patrolled Dade County Florida. He is deceased now so I don't mind sharing this information. Still held in high regard. He and Mickey ❤️

[@vickil3256]

He’s the handsomest officer I’ve seen in a while.

[@Hisgal04]

What a wonderful story ❤

[@zyiellenesterling9890]

Wow, wow, wow!!! This true story brings tears to my eyes. Thank God for these wonderful people to give life-saving chance to our shelters dogs. YES, THEY ARE VALUABLE DOGS!!! Pls. save our shelter dogs and cats. They will one day serve our communities.

[@user-qi1ns8zb7q]

It is so sad that such wonderful creatures are dumped like trash! I have 4 rescues! Wish I could have more. I hope Dallas & all the surrounding cities pay attention and do what Ft Worth has! Thank you for saving him!

[@lindzbreezyoh]

This is what all departments should do. Just rescue dogs for the police force

[@enigma_33.]

This is wonderful! He’s the best boy and handsome too. Shelter pets are truly the best. ❤

[@supermathlete101]

Thank you Fort Worth PD for adopting this handsome good boy!

[@gidzmobug2323]

Wonderful, both for Rock and for DFW.

[@bodang158]

I love this partnership! Win win!

[@thejoanzone140]

I got my special needs son a dog from our local shelter & trained him to be a service dog. Duke, the dog, taught my son to walk, protected him, sniffed out infection, & more. He was fantastic! So glad this beauty gets to showcase his talents as a K9 officer.

[@marymcsherry1965]

He knows he's a star ! 🎉 What a fabulous intelligent dog

[@sallysue8176]

My mom was attacked by a dog as a kid so she has always been distant and not affectionate with dogs. But we had a German Shepherd and she loved him. We had other dogs but that German Shepherd was her dog. ❤

[@user-nt6ov1il2n]

That officier GETS IT!!!! You can tell is knows the value of dogs. GO ROCK.

[@DinFL]

Thank you Fort Worth PD. You and your K9’s rock! 💙

[@MariaTorres-hc5uq]

Best wishes to the Paw Officer! Good Boy! 🤩 German Sheperds were bred for being useful. They have to do something, and they come "equipped" with the right tools. Best regards to the Fort Worth Police Department from Lisbon Portugal.

[@riskrunner42]

Absolutely beautiful K9! Thank you for your service. 🙏🏻

[@SuperEholmes]

A win, win for sure.

[@jeskac209]

Salute to you K-9 Officer ! Lots of love from Gilroy California 🐾💖Muhaaaaas

[@christinebuckingham8369]

Amazing Rescue and Hero Story!! Thank you for Rescuing Shelter Dogs and promoting their adoption! Rock is a gorgeous dog, he is clearly deeply bonded with his handler already! May K9 Officer Rock and his Handler Sgt. Hubbard always be protected by St. Michael the Archangel and St. Francis of Assisi! 🙏💞 Thank you both for your Service, Bravery and being Heroes - May you always be safe! 🙏💙🐕‍🦺👮‍♂️💙🙏

[@krissy0628]

He’s beautiful. Can’t believe any dog is in a shelter let alone this smart boy..

[@debraannoconnell5148]

I seen headlines and had to watch the video. This makes me so happy for Rock. He seems like a natural police dog and very smart. I pray the Angels keep him safe when he is on duty. Amen 🙏 🙌

[@mommybianca690]

A true win win situation, the rescued dogs get a second chance at a good future, the space in shelters become available for other dogs in need and the police gain wonderful canine officers❤❤❤

[@twilight79010]

His little lip getting caught on his tooth is so cute 😍. So glad he found a home (and job) that will be able to use his high energy and motivation for something productive! You can see how the characteristics that make him a bit difficult to handle for a regular home will make him an EXCELLENT addition to the police force.

[@janicesanchez8257]

Thank you for saving Rock🐾🐾❤️

[@elsafolgar5224]

Fantastic

[@MLIrons]

Have a long and prosperous career Officer Rock.

[@judithstratton9073]

Now THIS IS A GREAT THING! Congratulations!

[@elizabethr4107]

He's such a good boy ❤

[@annsumrall2593]

How great he got saved from the shelter Great job rock

[@gioasencio1299]

😃Extraordinario!! Gracias 🙏🏻 por rescatarlo. Paso de un refugio a ser K9 😳😃😄🥹🥲👏🏻🙌🏻👏🏻 y además es guapísimo 😍. Larga y segura vida oficial 🐾🐾🐺🫡🎖🫶🏼

[@adriennelee9605]

Awesome story! Thank you to this police department for saving a dog and promoting shelter pets.

[@shendaraalshedir5403]

Pawsome awesome!! This GORGEOUS boy is a local Hero now. I wish him a long healthy happy life, just a stunning beauty! ADOPT DON'T SHOP!!👍😄 And here's all the proof you need as to why!🐾🌈☮️🇨🇦

[@bobbioook5612]

Great story!

[@Jessd85]

That's so awesome! Dogs like him thrive when they are working. He's going to have a fun and active life