The Boston Police K-9 Unit has a new honorary member
Olive, a black Lab, received the honor after impressing Sgt. Sam Silta during a day of bonding.
The Boston Police Department K-9 Unit has added an honorary member to its ranks: Olive, a black Lab who was befriended by Sgt. Sam Silta outside of Boston Children’s Hospital earlier this month.The pair first struck up an acquaintance after Silta, who was working a detail outside the hospital on July 5, noticed a family rushing their son to the hospital in need of assistance as they were attempting to park their car, according to police. Silta helped them park and, because dogs are not allowed in the hospital, volunteered to look after the family pet for the duration of his shift.
Olive and Sgt. Silta sitting together outside the hospital.
While the family, who was “incredibly grateful” for the offer, received care for the boy, Silta and Olive bonded — meeting new friends on their walk around the hospital and chilling out in the sergeant’s air-conditioned cruiser, police said.
Olive meeting some new friends while with Sgt. Silta.
Because Silta was so impressed with Olive’s “friendly demeanor, good nature and exceptional behavior,” he submitted a request to make her an official honorary member of the unit. The notion to invite Olive into the ranks was then passed.
Olive’s certificate marking her newfound status now hangs above her bed.
Olive with her certificate, marking her newest status as a member of the K-9 Unit.
