NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — There are more paws than ever prancing and making prints through the halls at the Hospital of Central Connecticut .

As part of Hartford HealthCare’s K9 program, the hospital system is adding to its team of working dogs throughout its vast statewide network.

This week, Hartford HealthCare K9 safety officer Ken Sullivan had his hands full with two leashes. One is for veteran explosive detection K9 Riot, an eight-year-old German Shepherd who is getting ready to retire. The other is for five-month-old German Shepherd pup Gotham who is training to take over in Riot’s role.

Sullivan, a former East Hartford police officer, said Gotham is "doing fantastic."

“For a five-month-old puppy, [Gotham] is getting all the elements in the hospital that he needs," he said.

Steve C

See Full Page