Police K-9 in Colorado enjoys cake to celebrate 2nd birthday

BOULDER, Color. (WJAR) — A police K-9 in Colorado celebrated her second birthday by enjoying a tasty treat and some well-deserved recognition from her colleagues.

K-9 Astro, of the Boulder Police Department, recently turned 2 years old.

Video shared by the department on social media shows officers singing Happy Birthday to the police dog before she is given a cake.

She’s officially TWO years old!"the department noted in the post. "Happy Birthday BPD explosives detection K9 Astro! We hope you enjoyed your delicious cake from Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Boulder!"

In the footage, K-9 Astro is seen wagging her tail as she licks the dog-friendly dessert.

K-9 Astro was sworn in as a member of the department in June. She is a Lab and shorthaired Pointer mix from Washington state, who serves as an explosives detection dog, who finds evidence during investigations. She is also a community engagement dog.

We all know Boulder is dog-friendly city and I’m sure the community will welcome her like we have," Chief Maris Herold said in a news release. "This K9 team will be a great asset to the city and help us in keeping the public safe. Our new dog was made possible by the generosity of the community and their support for all of the great work our officers do every day.”

The release noted the departmenthas not had a police K-9 in more than 20 years.

"This new team will fill an important need when it comes to calls regarding firearms, explosives and other gun-related crimes," Herold said. "They will also be at numerous police-related community engagement events."

Herold added that the dog's name has a special meaning. She was named in memory of a fallen officer, Eric Talley, who loved the Houston Astros, which is a Major League Baseball team based in Texas.

"Everyone thought this name was a fitting tribute to a great man," Herold said. "It also reminds others of the celestial stars and heavens, reminiscent of Officer Talley’s strong faith. To some, the name makes them think of the cartoon show The Jetsons, but to our knowledge, BPD’s Astro is not related to cartoon Astro."