Balto the Therapy Police Dog

08/07/2026

Today Balto and I were joined by Officer Larkin and K-9 Lucy to attend the play group at Bureau Township Church. We were able to explain to the kids as well as the parents about the important jobs our K-9s do. Also everyone was able to give both Lucy and Balto some love. Being able to attend things like this helps raise the awareness of these dogs, with a hope to see more in the area before too long. A great big thank you to Jen Teske for inviting us today!!!

Unfortunately I left my work phone at home and didn’t take any photos so you’ll have to settle for this one of Balto next to the beans lol

07/31/2026

This week my dad and I were asked to help break some barriers. Royal Family KIDS Camp is a summer program for kids that are in the foster care system. Due to some previous experiences, some of these campers might not have a good relationship with Police.

That’s where I come in. We were able to meet with around 20 kids at their registration and when they returned from camp. I was the ice breaker that made it easier for these kids to talk to my dad. It started out with them petting me, then talking about their pets, then asking dad about his equipment.

I would like to take a minute to thank Lauren Merhkens for thinking of us and inviting us to this super rewarding experience. Thank you!!!

And just so everyone is aware, I am sitting in the back of a full size pickup, not a clown car.

07/27/2026

We have a little bit of a photo dump for you!!

We were fortunate enough to be invited to assist with K-9 day at the Peru PD Junior Academy last Friday. Balto and I met some new friends on 2 legs, and a new friend on 4 legs!!

Seeing these dogs in action really makes your heart melt. Balto might have been a little distracted by his tiny friend but rest assured the kids got completely covered by his hair!!

07/23/2026

Hey everybody!!!

I’m going to apologize on my dad’s behalf, since he won’t, we’ve been on a little bit of a “stay-cation” for the last little bit. He’s been doing boring stuff like working on the house and this weird thing called “relaxing”. I don’t get why he thinks he needed it. All he does is hold my leash. And he wouldn’t even let me swing a hammer!! I could’ve been so helpful!

Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances we don’t have our usual squad so I don’t get to go to work with him. I told him to just stay home, but he said if I wanted treats he needed to go to work. I don’t get it.

Hopefully we’ll still have a few posts for you guys here soon of some fun interactions I’m going to get to have. I’m so excited so watch for them!!! Balto out!

07/08/2026

Guess who got a new bowl?!?!

This is an anti spill bowl, so Balto can have plenty of water while he’s riding around on patrol. Now, he’s not depending on me to make sure he gets a drink every so often.

Make sure on hot days like we’ve been having your furry friends have plenty of water to drink!!

And don’t mind the extra fluff laying around. Someone got a little too rough with his alligator.

07/07/2026

07/03/2026

Welcome back to another of Balto’s Fun Fact Friday!!

Did you know that a Kuvasz actually has dark gray or black skin?!?! This acts as a protective layer underneath their white coats to keep them from getting sunburns!!

Someone would not pose very well to help show off this awesome trait and wanted to shake instead lol.

Also keep a close eye on your furry friends this weekend with the 4th of July celebrations. Some of our friends don’t like the big booms and can sometimes run away to seek shelter.

07/01/2026

Hey everyone, just a quick Public Service Announcement from Balto and I.

This heat we’ve dealing with lately can be super dangerous, and not just for pets. Children, elderly, and people wearing dark heavy clothing are susceptible to heat diseases. In these high temps, as well as the high humidity, make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids and resting in the shade. Air conditioning is the best source of comfort, but even fans can help air circulate to gain some comfort. Make sure you are checking in on your elderly neighbors and taking precautions if you have to be out in the elements.

For example, our squad car has been running for 3 hours with the air conditioning maxed out, and parked mostly in the shade and it is still mostly 73 degrees. It’s definitely more comfortable than being outside, but just a few days ago it would’ve been 65 inside the squad.

Stay safe everyone!!!

06/27/2026

500!!!!!

This is a quick shout out to all of you! Balto and I just want to take a quick second and thank all of our followers. Since it’s now 500 we can’t list you all by name, but thank you all for following!!

We hope everyone is enjoying the content we’re putting out, hope to get a little more consistent, and bring back some of the fun stuff like Fun Fact Fridays. In the meantime, enjoy this picture of our boy looking so cute!!

06/23/2026

Balto here with another Public Service Announcement.

Princeton does have leash requirements on all your 4 legged friends. It doesn’t matter if you are walking down the sidewalk, out at City County Park, or using the track at Zearing Park your furry friends need to be on a leash.

I know I know, you want your friends to be able to get exercise without being confined or maybe you have a friend like me that thinks they can walk themselves, please remember there are members of our community that aren’t comfortable with animals walking up to them. Leashes actually help keep the entire community safe!! If you do need to let your friends run without a leash, try Barkley Park. There are 2 separate areas to run and it’s totally contained. Balto out!