Once Marked for Euthanasia at Utah Shelter, Belgian Malinois Becomes Pocatello’s Newest K-9 Officer in Idaho
POCATELLO, Idaho — A young Belgian Malinois that was scheduled to be euthanized at a Utah animal shelter has found her calling on the streets of Southeast Idaho, joining the Pocatello Police Department as its newest K-9 officer.
The Pocatello Police Department held a formal welcome ceremony Thursday afternoon in the City Council chambers to introduce K-9 Boo to the public. The 8-month-old dog will be partnered with Cpl. Brendan Howard, who will also take Boo home to live with his family during off-duty hours.
“It’s really a big dream come true. It’s one of the things I want to do in law enforcement, and I’m extremely happy,” Howard said in remarks at the ceremony, according to reporting by EastIdahoNews.com.
From Euthanasia List to the Force
Boo’s path to Pocatello began at a Utah animal shelter, where she had been flagged for euthanasia due to what staff described as “social concerns” related to reported aggressive behavior. The dog’s fate changed when Dustin’ Time Rescue, a local animal rescue organization, intervened and transported her to the Pocatello area.
Danniell Dustin, who operates the rescue alongside her husband Danny Dustin, said she and her family quickly recognized that Boo was not aggressive — she was simply a high-energy working breed dog without a proper outlet.
“There’s no way you can put her down for being nippy. That’s part of the breed. … She needed a job,” Danniell said, according to EastIdahoNews.com.
The Dustin family took Boo in and began early obedience and working training in their own home. Their daughter, Burniece Dustin, took a lead role in bonding with and training the dog. “She kept her in her room and was working with her a lot. And she really bonded to her,” Danniell said.
After observing Boo’s rapid development, Danniell reached out to Pocatello police directly, telling them the dog was “something special.” Law enforcement officials agreed quickly. Lt. Akilah Lacey addressed the crowd at Thursday’s ceremony, describing Boo as a “very high-drive, very high-energy dog” who is “absolutely not aggressive.”
“It was amazing how quick and how efficient (Boo) was. Instantly, we fell in love with her,” Lacey said, according to EastIdahoNews.com. “We knew we had something special. We found a diamond in the rough.”
Community Support for a Working Dog — and the Rescue Behind Her
Thursday’s ceremony also recognized the Dustin family’s contribution to public safety and animal welfare. Portneuf Valley Fraternal Order of Police President Dave Martin presented Dustin’ Time Rescue with a check for $1,800 in appreciation of their role in saving Boo and connecting her with the department.
“It’s not life-changing, of course, but it may be able to help you,” Martin said at the event.
Danniell Dustin emphasized that every dollar matters for a small rescue organization working to re-home animals in need. “Any amount, any donation, is life-changing for us. Every donation helps us more than we can even say,” she said.
While the Dustin family — particularly Burniece — expressed sadness at letting Boo go, they said watching her step into a purposeful role made the experience worthwhile. “It’s hard when you get attached to them, but when you see them set up for success like this in the right environment, it makes it worth its weight in gold,” Danniell said.
Pocatello Police Chief Roger Schei also attended the ceremony. Boo joins a police department that serves a growing community with ongoing public safety demands. In recent weeks, Pocatello officers and Bannock County deputies have responded to a range of incidents, including a reported assault involving a glass bottle and a school threat investigation that drew a law enforcement response.
What Comes Next
K-9 Boo will begin active duty with Cpl. Howard as the two complete any remaining joint training and integration into department operations. Dustin’ Time Rescue will continue its mission of placing animals in appropriate homes throughout the Pocatello area. Community members interested in supporting the rescue’s work can reach out to the organization directly. The Pocatello Police Department has not announced further details on Boo’s specific role or deployment assignments at this time.