Of the numerous stories that have been shared about this agency, the subject of today’s story had me half expecting the meeting to be in a reinforced room surrounded by bodyguards—this guy is just that famous in Clay County. I figured he would bust in the door, slap me a quick handshake, and advise me that I had five minutes of his time before he had to take a video call with the Governor.
Though he is quite famous, this interview turned out to be very informal and involved a lot of sniffing and a few licks. Often visible at high profile events around town, it is the work that station dog JP performs in the Sheriff’s Office primary Green Cove Springs facility that make him a valuable member of this large and ever-growing organization. Safely living behind the secure doors of the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, on this day JP can be found resting in his bed near the front reception desk. Just around the corner, one of JP’s friends and VIP helpers is Genny. When not manning the front desk, she keeps an eye on JP, gives him his medicine to alleviate his arthritis (he is 7 years old), gives him an appropriate treat, and (on rare occasions) sends him to timeout if he growls or barks inappropriately.
“He has a lot of personality and is actually a very loving dog,” shared Genny. “Not only does he go office to office to check in on everyone and share some pets to make their day brighter, but he also goes into the lobby from time-to-time to comfort a visitor who may be having a tough day. He just seems to know when someone needs some love, and he is quick to give it.”
As Genny described the antics of JP, another Department member, Barb, rounded the corner and shared a few moments with JP. After he obediently adhered to her commands, Barb slipped JP one of his regularly scheduled treats and gave him more pets. Though he writes nothing down, JP seems to have a plan as he travels around the building greeting people throughout the day. I asked how he navigated the elevator, and was reminded that current construction on the upper floor brought an end to the multi-level visits. However, in previous years JP would wait patiently by the elevator until someone opened it and pushed some buttons for him. “There was always someone nearby willing to help JP out,” said Genny as she smiled at JP. When asked if JP gets jealous of the CCSO K9s who wear a vest and badge, Genny and Barb pulled out JP’s service vest, complete with a “Station Dog” designation and his own shiny badge. He seemed to stand at attention as they donned him with his coveted outfit.
When Barb returned to her responsibilities, Genny led JP to another hallway where JP’s partner in crime, Tanya, is waiting to share some hugs and pets. “JP spends the night in the Communication Center and I let him out in the morning to do his business and start his day. I also tend to get in trouble with JP when I get him riled up and he starts barking,” said Tanya. With a devious smile, Tanya quickly proves her point as JP lets out a few loud barks. She also explained that JP has several beds around the station, so he has plenty of creature comforts when he is not lifting spirits and bringing smiles. Without any warning, and possibly sensing that Tanya was going to get him sent to timeout, JP quickly walked away and I soon find him loitering again near Genny’s office.
After JP posed for some pics, another of his VIP handlers entered the hallway. Emma has a busy job in the Records Department, but still finds time to ensure that JP gets a regular walk and a bath in between grooming appointments. When asked if caring for JP becomes burdensome, Emma replied, “Not at all. All of us pitch in to take good care of him because he takes good care of us.
He’s the agency therapy dog and he really does make a difference in our lives and jobs. He can make a bad day turn out a lot better. Sometimes he gets to go home with someone for the night, but he is basically a 24 hour per day station dog, and he brings a lot of joy and smiles each day.”
Though we didn’t get an opportunity to meet with others who ensure that JP makes it to his vet appointments, grooming appointments, and public appearances, we were reminded that his buddies Denise, Abbegail, and Karri are a few of the many who serve as JP’s devoted handlers. Though Sheriff Michelle Cook assures us that the name JP doesn’t stand for anything specific, after meeting him and hearing of his adventures, we think that JP might actually stand for Just Puttering (around) or, on most days, JP might stand for how his life could be summed up…Just Perfect.