Meet 'Sheruff Barkley': Worcester Police's New Comfort Pup

WORCESTER, MA — In Worcester, there's a new sheriff in town and his name is "Sheruff Barkley."

Sheruff Barkley is the police department's newest comfort dog. WPD asked third graders from Worcester Public Schools to come up with a name for the puppy, and a class at Tatnuck Magnet School won the competition.

Residents voted for their favorite names on social media. Officers and school officials stopped by the school to tell the students they won the competition last month.

The Bernadoodle was gifted by Julie of Vidadoodle in New Hampshire, in honor of her brother, Michael Vigeant, who unexpectedly died, according to WPD.

Julie told WPD that that particular mixed breed had great traits as comfort animals, and are hypoallergenic so that they can cuddle with everyone. Comfort dogs can provide friendship and reassurance in times of anxiety, and offer a calm source of support to minimize the impact of trauma.

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