If you've ever had to look for a job, you’ve probably heard the classic boomer advice “Just take your CV to the place you want to work at and they’ll hire you”. Turns out, it can work sometimes. This street dog started showing up at a police station in Rio de Janeiro until the officers adopted him as their official mascot. He should definitely share his success story on LinkedIn!
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A scared and malnourished stray showed up at the local police station
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
The 17th Battalion of The Rio de Janeiro military police works hard to ensure every member of the Rio de Janeiro community is safe. They usually rush to help humans, but one day, corporal Cristiano noticed a different kind of citizen needing help. A skinny, scared pup was shivering in the corner of the police station. Perhaps he had noticed that people come here to get help and figured maybe he could be saved too?
Corporal Cristiano’s heart trembled at the sight of a terrified street dog and immediately rushed to his aid. Sadly, the dog’s previous life hadn’t been that nice as he immediately showed his teeth and growled – it is likely that his previous encounters with humans were traumatic.
“When he appeared here at the battalion, he was very aggressive,” recalled Cristiano. “Even though he was hungry and thirsty, he wouldn’t accept anything I offered.”
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
An officer noticed a shivering dog and decided to help him but the pup showed aggression and distrust
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
Cristiano wasn’t going to give up so easily. After all, dogs and humans have been best friends for thousands of years and this pup just needed a little reminder of that. Corporal started setting up fresh food and water every day and remained respectful of the dog's space. Soon, the caramel-colored canine started feasting on the food offered to him. It must’ve been delicious, because soon he started following Cristiano around.
“Suddenly, he started walking behind me. If I entered the room, he would stay there. If I got into the car, he would go after me,” Corporal fondly remembered the early days of their friendship.
After some time, his sweet personality started shining through. Once mistrusting, the abused street dog now had become Corporal's bestie. Besides showering him with endless affection, he would follow Cristiano to his house near the police station and back – just in case he needed protection.
Corporal Cristiano recognized that the canine must've had a bad experience with humans, so he didn't push his boundaries
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
He put out some food and water and waited. His patience paid off as soon the grateful dog started following him around
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
The dog’s natural talents were recognized by the police officers, so they decided he would be perfect for police work. The newest officer received a name – Oliveira – and his very own collar, symbolizing his status as the most beloved pet.
“He received a bath, collar, food and all the affection from the Battalion’s police officers,” shared Cristiano.
It is unknown how he reacted to the bath, but Cristiano revealed that he absolutely loved his collar. Soon, Oliveira received his new favorite uniform – a customized police jacket that was identical to his paw-workers'. He also got a Corporal rank in the military police force, and we can bet it came with a hefty bonus of his favorite treats.
It’s been almost five years since Corporal Oliveira’s persistence landed him his dream job. He does a lot of public outreach and visits schools where he teaches young citizens about safety. Corporal also ensures every kid gets hugs and kisses in exchange for a good ear scratch or a belly rub.
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
Everyone fell in love with the dog and took him in, giving him his very own uniform and a new name - Oliveira
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
Now he patrols the streets with his dad and works in community outreach, educating the youngest citizens about safety
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
Oliveira also patrols the streets on the back of his dad’s motorcycle, ensuring that those who break the rules get called out.
“When he sees someone without a helmet, he barks,” Cristiano said.
Safety first – even the dog knows it! His sweet and dutiful nature made him the department’s favorite and his colleagues believe that he has changed the department for the better.
“He’s a companion, he’s fun. Everyone likes Corporal Oliveira. He’s the star of the battalion,” shared his new dad.
What’s next for this uniformed dog?
“The next rank is Sergeant. He deserves it,” revealed Cristian.
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
Oliveira, like other working dogs around the world, reminds us just how amazing these furry creatures are
Image credits: oliveira17bpm
While most dogs play the important role of being family pets, there are many working pups out there. Police dogs, like Oliveira, assist the officers while on patrol or conducting a search for illegal substances or explosives. They can also assist in the search of missing humans – their noses are 100,000 more sensitive than ours so they can detect even the faintest smell.
Due to their incredible sense of smell, dogs can also be trained to detect illnesses such as cancer! So, if you notice that your pup has started smelling you more intently, it is a good idea to book a blood test just in case. Or maybe he’s telling you it’s time for a shower.
German shepherds, Belgian Malinois and bloodhounds are the most popular police dogs, while Labradors, golden retrievers and collies make excellent therapy workers. However, almost any dog can become a working one – they need to pass a rigorous training and temperament test!
We don’t deserve dogs. They cannot speak, but they can catch criminals, warn us about diseases and provide comfort in times of distress. And even if all they do is protect us from squirrels and steal the last slice of pizza, they still are the best boys and girls. We, as humans, should do everything in our power to make sure their short time on Earth is filled with love.
Who is the coolest working dog you know?
Everyone in the comments loved officer Oliveira - especially his uniform
The inspiring story of Corporal Oliveira's journey from a fearful street dog to a trusted police officer highlights the remarkable bond between humans and their canine companions, especially in roles that support veterans and those in need. For readers interested in similar tales of service animals and their impact in the workplace, exploring how a veteran found new purpose alongside his service dog can provide heartfelt context.
You can discover more about such powerful partnerships between individuals and their loyal service dogs.