Meet Opry

Opry's story starts in Odessa, Texas, where she was rescued from a no kill shelter by PAWS New England, which relocates dogs to the New England region for a better chance of finding a home.

Opry was given her name by Rick Swanson, the Principal of Hingham High School.  He is a big country music fan and enjoys visiting the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville because it is a place that "Brings everyone together".  He hoped that our Opry would do the same thing.  

PAWS New England generously donated Opry to the Hingham Police Department on the condition that she would be used as a working dog to help provide comfort to the community.  Opry's initial expenses for training, food and other related costs were covered by Plymouth County District Attorney, Tim Cruz, through their first ever Comfort Dog Grant.  The grant, which was a generous gift of $5,000, was the first of several grants being provided to police departments in Plymouth County to start comfort dog programs in their communities.

Veterinary care has been generously provided through the Hingham Animal Clinic.

From there, Opry has maintained several certifications through the continued support of local trainer Donna Cuthbert (Donna Do Right Dogs).  She is currently an AKC certified Canine Good Citizen and is working towards her Community Access/Advanced CGC certification.

As of March 2022, Opry started working for the Hingham Police Department, and began providing comfort at local retirement facilities, the Hingham Public Library and other community events in town.  In May 2022, she was allowed to accompany School Resource Officer Tom Ford into Hingham Public Schools where she has been ever since.  She resides at Hingham High School but frequently visits the other schools.  She is used to provide comfort and to help reduce stress and anxiety with not only children, but also staff members.  Opry has already been cited to have significantly helped students and has positively contributed to the school culture.  Some students have even claimed that she is the reason they come to school!  She can be seen every morning greeting students at the door, and then saying goodbye to them when they leave at the end of the day.    

She has also inspired the "Opry Award" which identifies students in the school community who promote inclusion and a positive culture.  It is awarded once a month. 

Opry is also on call to help after critical incidents with the police department and on call to visit anywhere in town after a traumatic event.  She can be seen at town meetings, sporting events, or even in the school play!  She is asked to play a very versatile role, and may work up to 40-50 hours a week.  In November, Opry provided comfort to Apple employees, shoppers and first responders.  She even met with victims during the investigation.  In January, Opry was welcome sight as employees made their way back into the store for the first time.

Opry's greatest attributes are her calm and comforting demeanor and her ability to adapt to a variety of situations.  Her best work is yet to be done, and wouldn't be possible without your support!