More than 5,000 people have lent their support to a heart-warming campaign to have a little puppy included in the PSNI's drive to beat Christmas criminals in Mid & East Antrim.
Hugo, a Shar Pei, won the hearts of officers at the station with his distinctive wrinkly face and chubby ankles, but their hopes of bringing him on board as a police dog hit the buffers with the boss.
So using the power of social media, the dog-mad team decided to ask the public if they would approve Hugo as an addition to the police family - and more than 5,100 people said yes.
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One officer, said: "Despite our best efforts to convince the Inspector that Hugo could chase criminals and that he definitely wouldn’t leave presents in his office, he isn’t convinced."
They said they needed the court of public opinion to change the boss's mind and added: "All wee Hugo wants for Christmas is to be a Police dog, even for a little while and we think 1000 likes might sway it.
"In return we could provide ‘HoHo Hugo’ content and ‘Helpful Hugo’ tips for you all to stay safe in the run up to Christmas.
"Someone made a joke that with his ruffled brow and sullen face, he looks just like the Sergeant. We thought that was a bit rude as he is only a pup, but already has his own hair and much better table manners."
And the call for support did not go unnoticed as more than 5,100 people responded to support Hugo's pipe dream of daring do as a police dog.
But the pup won't be on the streets catching criminals, he has been accepted as a voluntary team member and will be office based and available for photoshoots with sage advice about keeping safe this Christmas
An officer added: "Hugo got back from his morning walkies to see that over 5.1 thousand people want him to stay. He is so excited and we are currently organising epaulettes for his collar. His hat doesn’t fit quite yet but I’m sure he will grow into it
"Hugo is here to help us help you and will provide HoHo Hugo tips to thwart criminality and protect your homes and businesses.
"The Sergeant is delighted as he no longer has the wrinkliest forehead in the station, however the Inspector has summonsed me to his office to take forensic swabs to prove that it wasn’t Hugo that chewed the legs of his computer desk."
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