Everyone has to start somewhere to get somewhere! You don’t become a skilled surgeon or Olympic skater overnight. Achieving great things takes time, dedication and mentors who can help steer you in the right direction. Otherwise, how else would you do it? You need school. Experience. You have to hit the ground running, and when it comes to sinking or swimming, hopefully, you have a pretty good forward stroke. And if you don’t, then at least the courage to learn. After all, as long as you exhibit the will and potential, then you just have to put in the time before your feet…ahem, paws, are big enough to fill the shoes.
The Edgecomb County’s Sheriff Office in Edgecomb, North Carolina, has just officially welcomed their newest officer. She might be inexperienced, a little furry and doesn’t have a name, but she was selected for a very important role that she’s expected to grow into.
The adorable female bloodhound is a K9 officer who will be training long and hard to become the first dedicated tracking K9 for Edgecomb County. She was donated to the office by James Lockhart of Northfork Bloodhounds and Tim Braddy of East Coast K9. The only problem? No one knew what to name her! While the news anchor wanted to name her “Cutie McCutie Face,” the department needed something a little more official–so they took it online, asking the community to pitch ideas.
It proved to be rather challenging finding a name for such a sweet puppy that needs to be taken seriously down the line! She has a very important role after all, and while she’s cute and cuddly now (let’s face it, she always will be!) this dog has a job to do–and lots of training and practice to get there.
The public came up with some very eligible names. A few that commemorated people within the community and others that were a little broader. One was, “Alice,” in honor of the first female law enforcement officer in the USA–Alice Stebbin Wells; “Edge,” short for Edgecomb; “Hope” and a few more.
Finally, the name was settled, everyone agreed that Penny was the winner. It’s a strong, empowered choice for one little doggy who will grow up into a leader and help the department conduct good work. But until then, we can call her “Cutie McCutie Face” behind her back.
Click below to meet Penny!