Meet Hurley: From Hiding To Hugging

Hurley is not even a year old black Lab- Great Dane mix, and her heart is enormous.

We first met Hurley at the Humane Society of Putnam County Indiana where she had been abandoned along with her mother. She wasn’t greeting anyone or wagging a tail, she was huddled behind her little igloo, watching the world through a crack, unsure if it was safe. Most would have stayed hidden, but one squeak from a toy and she slowly stepped into the world with trust. That moment from her reminds us that courage isn’t about fearlessness it’s about showing up anyway.

At first in training Hurley was very scared and shy, but this gentle giant has a heart bigger than her paws. Every day you can watch her confidence grow, her fear subside and her trust with her amazing handler deepen. She’s famous in training for her “Hurley hugs”: climbing up, resting her giant head under your chin, and insisting that everyone gets a hug before she goes to work. And soon, she’ll be bringing that same warmth to an elementary school; helping kids be safe as well as feel loved. Not a day of her life will go by where she doesn't change someone's day for the better.

Hurley reminds us that love can come in the most unexpected packages-and that sometimes, all it takes is a little courage (and maybe a squeaky toy) to change your life.

HURLEY KEEPS MAKING US PROUD! The arrest of a meth dealer and his product off the streets during the second half of her first shift! Not bad for being "just a pound dog"! Hurley, you are the embodiment of our slogan of emptier shelters and safer streets! Keep doing amazing things at Jennings County Sheriff’s Office.