DALTON, Mass. - The Dalton Police Department welcomed its newest member to the office Monday.

It was the first day in the building for Wendell, their new comfort dog. Wendell is a nine-week-old purebred poodle, and was donated by Berkshire Poodles.

Wendell is named after George Wendling, who was the first detective at the department and served for 30 years before retiring in 1992.

Wendell is still adjusting to his new surroundings, but he’s very mellow and sociable, and his handler, Officer Tyler Miller, thinks he’ll be a welcome addition.   

“I’d love to bring him into the schools, interacting with the school kids,” Miller said. “We have nursing homes here, we’ve got elderly living housing, so we’d love to have him socialize and visit. And also anybody struggling. Mental health has been on the rise with the pandemic, so even something as simple as bringing in a little dog to help people connect with, I think will have a great value, and hopefully he’ll be a big help to everybody.”

Wendell went on his first call this past weekend, and he’ll slowly be introduced to the public as he works through his training.