An Australian puppy didn’t have what it takes to hunt down bad guys for the police service, but he did manage to find a new way to serve his community.

German Shepherd “Gavel” was in training with the Queensland Police Service last year when trainers decided that he “did not display the necessary aptitude for a life on the front line.”

Instead of continuing with his training, Gavel went to work for the Governor of Queensland and his family last April. He was so well-suited to life in the governor’s mansion that they promoted him in February to the newly-created position of Vice-Regal Dog.





He signed his contract with a paw print.

Among Gavel’s duties are greeting guests at citizenship ceremonies and at the annual open house at Fernberg, the official residence of the governor, who is the Queen’s representative in the state.