Life doesn’t always go the way we expect it to, but sometimes our failures lead to even more exciting opportunities. That was the case for a dog named Licorice, who flunked out of training to become a service dog — but ended up becoming an invaluable part of his local police department!
Service Dog “Flunky”
Licorice, a goldendoodle, started life training to become a service dog through the organization 4 Paws for Ability. But it wasn’t meant to be — Licorice flunked out of the training program due to “suspicious barking,” according to USA Today, a big no-no as service dogs are trained only to bark during emergencies.
The organization placed Licorice up for adoption as a “fabulous flunky.” But as fate would have it, the dog would soon find a different special purpose.
In 2021, Roger Pohlman of the Blue Ash Police Department, in Ohio, looking for a new family pet. His wife Christine, an elementary school reading specialist, also wanted a dog that she could bring to work and have the kids read to.
When the family met Licorice, they knew he was the one and adopted him. And while Licorice may have failed as a service dog, Pohlman recognized his potential as a therapy dog. After being certified through Therapy Dogs International, Licorice spent time with Pohlman at work, and they decided to employ the dog as a full-time police therapy dog.
New Start as Police Therapy Dog
Police departments have been increasingly utilizing therapy dogs as a way to improve officers’ mental health and reduce stress, helping them to cope with the trauma that is an inevitable part of the job. Police therapy dogs can also be used in the community, such as calming down victims of traumatic events.
It was a new and unexpected hire for the Blue Ash Police Department. “I’ve been doing this for 26 years,” Cpt. Pohlman told USA Today. “If you would’ve said that we had a therapy dog back then, people would’ve laughed at you.”
But Licorice has proven to be an indispensable part of the department, quickly becoming a favorite among the officers, described as a calming force. Pohlman says they have gotten so used to having the dog around the office that they’re disappointed when he’s not around.
Licorice has also done community outreach, visiting schools, and has also been a special part of Pohlman’s family. “He is the team mascot for my son, Owen’s, 3rd-grade football team. He is also my daughter, Campbell’s, companion in her 4-H Clover Canines Club where she does obedience training, learning activities, and gets to show him at the Warren County Fair,” Pohlman said in 2021.
When he’s not on duty, Licorice spends time at home with the family and enjoys napping and chasing rabbits and squirrels in the yard.
Licorice might have not made it as a service animal, but he’s found his calling as a police therapy dog and beloved member of his community. Please share this heartwarming story if you love dogs! ❤️
