Shelter Dog Gets a Job with the City

Dual dog kennel at the Water Plant.

Bulletin! Duck Dynasty was adopted late in July. The new dog at the Water Plant is Valerie.

His name is Duck Dynasty, aka D2, and Richmond Animal Care and Control rescued him from a life on the streets about two months ago. After a month in the city's animal shelter at 1600 Chamberlayne Avenue, Duck D, a neutered, male, three or four-year-old
hound mix who gets along well with other dogs, got an important assignment.

He would be the first dog to live in the new dual kennel at the city's Water Plant on the river, and his job would be to discourage the ducks and geese from loitering around the 37-acre plant, leaving a trail of guano in their wake. In exchange, he is learning about socializing with a variety of people and hanging out quietly in offices when he's not in his kennel. "He's out of the pen more often than not," says Ricky Hatfield, plant superintendent.

The program was funded by the Richmond Animal Welfare Foundation. After Duck D is adopted into his forever home, other dogs will have the opportunity to live at the Water Plant. Water Plant staff, who are at the plant seven days a week, 24 hours a day, take Duck D with them on their security patrols day and night, or bring him into the offices on hot or rainy days.

Is that a deer? A duck? A beaver?

DPU Director Bob Steidel, Water Plant Program Manager Arnold Eberly, Utility Plant Superintendent Ricky Hatfield, and Richmond Animal Care and Control Director Christie Peters welcome Duck Dynasty to the Water Plant as a "city employee."