In response to both the significance of the time of year and the need to provide support for those being attacked both figuratively and literally by deranged leftists, one California police department introduced the world to Officer Percy, a rescued rabbit who provides emotional support and a little cheer to those on the front lines.
In a heart-warming Facebook post, the Yuba City Police Department introduced Wellness Officer Percy as a means of “prioritizing mental and physical health” for its cadre of police and support personnel. Officer Percy will be utilized as a therapy animal and has already made the rounds, being held by other officers and bringing a little joy to an often thankless job.
“We would like to introduce Wellness Officer Percy. YCPD has a wellness program for both employees and their families,” the post began. “Our wellness program promotes the importance of prioritizing mental and physical health, providing tools and resources to reduce stress and create a positive foundation for well-being.”
“Officer Percy lounges at the police department during the day and is a support animal for all,” the post continued.
The use of therapy animals is far from unheard of, and while most people usually think of dogs – and indeed, most often therapy animals are dogs – Percy is not the only non-canine to be inducted into the ranks.
Fox News described how one Michigan police department brought a friendly feline onboard to serve in the important role of offering companionship, stress relief, and levity to the very serious and important role of policing. Fox wrote:
In 2018, the Troy, Michigan Police Department announced the “hiring” of Pawwficer Badges, a police cat, as Fox News Digital reported.
Her duties included “community policing, supervising K9 Unit and cuddles,” said the department.
While Pawwficer Badges did not end up working out as a police cat, she was replaced by Pawwficer Donut.
Pawwficer Donut was sworn in as the Troy Police Department’s first-ever “police cat” on May 11, 2018, reported the website MLive.
As for the rescued rabbit-turned-support-animal, the YCPD’s Facebook offered a little background, sharing that one of their officers was in the middle of a routine shift when they noticed the stray rabbit with markings of pet ownership.
“Percy’s backstory,” the post continued. “On 10/21/22, Officer Carson was working our B-Graves Shift patrolling south Yuba City. She came across a rabbit, who appeared lost, in the middle of Percy Avenue.
“In order to ensure the rabbit’s safety, Officer Carson picked him up, realizing how docile and friendly he was,” it said.
“The rabbit was taken to animal control but was not claimed by his family. Our Police Services Analyst chose to adopt him once he was available. She decided to name the rabbit “Percy”, from where he was found.”
“Percy has been at the police department since being adopted, acting as our wellness officer. Most enjoy his company, while some are still getting used to the idea of a rabbit being inside a police department,” the post ended.
Featured image: Facebook, Yuba City Police Department
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