COLUMBUS, Ind. — By his own admission, Bartholomew County Sheriff Chris Lane never thought he’d be administering an oath of office to a four-legged, fluffy individual who had to dip her paw in ink to provide a signature.
However, the sheriff said that Starlight — a miniature Australian shepherd and certified therapy dog — will be a “tremendous asset” to the Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp., the sheriff’s department and all of Bartholomew County.
“Adding this resource, especially in today’s world, I think is very important,” Lane said during a special ceremony at Hauser Jr.-Sr. High School on Tuesday afternoon as he led the ceremony to swear Starlight into service.
According to her oath of office, Starlight has been appointed as Bartholomew County’s therapy canine and will provide employees of the sheriff’s office, Flat Rock-Hawcreek students and staff, and the Bartholomew County community at large with “ongoing love and support.”
She also promised to utilize her “ongoing training, obedience ability and cute, puppy-dog eyes” to perform these duties, Lane said.
Starlight began coming to school with Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Resource Officer (SRO) Jessica Pendleton at the start of the new school year, and the duo visit classrooms so students can meet the dog, learn about her role, and, most importantly, pet her.
“She provides comfort and support for our students and our staff in just a variety of challenges,” Pendleton said.
For the complete story and more photos, see Wednesday’s Republic.
