West Warwick council formally recognizes 'Mouse' as town's first police therapy dog

The West Warwick Town Council on Tuesday authorized formal recognition of K9 "Mouse" as the town police department’s first therapy/compassion dog, and council members signaled interest in scheduling a public swearing-in ceremony in a future meeting.

Police Chief Ernest Levine asked the council to make Mouse an official department recognition after Mouse completed certification through Paws from the Heart’s certified therapy program at no cost to the town. Levine said Mouse, a former neglected shelter dog, has been living with the department for roughly six weeks and that her presence has already had a positive effect on officer morale and community engagement.

“Mouse has received her therapy compassion dog certification… at no cost to the town or our department,” Chief Levine told the council, adding that volunteers and local businesses donated grooming and veterinary services. Levine said he hopes to have a formal swearing-in on a future agenda and to deploy Mouse for community visits that can help reduce anxiety, support victims and improve police-community relations.

Council members approved the recognition by voice vote and suggested scheduling a formal “swearing-in” or similar public event at an upcoming meeting. Levine said the department will return to the council with details for a public ceremony and a proposed community-engagement plan.

The chief emphasized Mouse’s unique background — a dog recovered from neglect, now certified to support department wellness and community outreach — and thanked area volunteers and media outlets that covered Mouse’s story.

Council members and staff supported a short follow-up agenda item to present Mouse publicly and to outline operational uses for the therapy dog in schools, victim services and wellness visits for department members.