met that criteria .”
Although Ruger is far from being a vicious dog , he became a permanent fixture at the local jail facility . Ruger ’ s primary role was to make sure no illegal narcotics were snuck into the PCDC building , using his trained sense of smell .
“ We found that whenever Ruger was in there ( the jail facility ) on a regular basis there was much less contraband being brought into the facility ,” McCollum stated . “ With the inmates knowing that he ( Ruger ) was going to be there , the amount of contraband greatly declined .”
But McCollum and Allen soon realized Ruger could serve another vital purpose in the overcrowded local jail facility .
“ We had several inmates that might have had some anger issues and we were having to constantly de-escalate their behavior ,” McCollum explained . “ Whenever he would bring Ruger in there , the angry inmate would start to pet Ruger and start playing with him . As a result , their behavior de-escalated quickly and they were easier to deal with than whenever he wasn ’ t there .”
According to Allen , one of the jail ’ s most difficult inmates grew fond of Ruger ’ s company and even asked if he could have a picture of the friendly German Shepherd dog .
“ I took a picture of the inmate and Ruger together , and later brought him the photo of the two of them together ,” Allen stated . “ The inmate was eventually
transferred to another facility , but he asked if he could take that photo with him .”
Eventually , Allen left his work at PCDC
After a busy day at the Pulaski County Judicial Center , Ruger takes a nap on his way to a nearby eastern Kentucky county jail visit .
to become a Deputy Court Security Officer at the Pulaski County Judicial Center . Although Ruger does not work alongside Allen at the Judicial Center , Ruger makes frequent visits to Allen ’ s new work environment .
“ Everyone at the Judicial Center and at the Circuit Clerk ’ s Office knows who Ruger is ,” Allen laughed . “ Every time I bring Ruger with me , I have to make the rounds so everyone can pet and love on Ruger .”
The tour of the Pulaski County Circuit Court Office can take well up to an hour in duration with everyone wanting some individual petting time with Ruger .
According to Allen , he can ’ t bring Ruger to the Judicial Center without a visit to District Judge Teresa Whitaker ’ s office .
“ I think every time we come to the Judicial Center , Ruger knows he is going to get a lot of attention ,” Allen claimed . “ He also knows he is probably going to see Judge Whitaker . Those two are best of friends .”
“ If I have him at the Judicial Center two or three of the judges expect to get their visit with him ,” Allen stated . “ When we make a security round through the Circuit Clerk ’ s office , all the office workers want to know why Ruger ’ s not with me . If he is in the building , I ’ m expected to bring him in their office for a mandatory visit .”
Throughout his life , Allen has always had a dog . Whether it was a collie or a German Shepherd , a dog has always been a part of the Allen family household . But in the past , Allen ’ s pets have always been left at home while he taught high school or coached high school sports .
But all that changed when Ruger came into Allen ’ s life a couple of years ago .
“ I take Ruger with me pretty much
8 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky april 2023