06/12/2026
“How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." ❤️🐾
With profound sadness, we remember Rebel, Walpole's beloved Community Resource Dog, whose gentle spirit and loving heart touched countless lives throughout our community.
Rebel was much more than a working dog. She was a source of comfort, connection, and joy to everyone fortunate enough to meet her. Alongside Officer Tommy Hart of the Walpole Police Department, Rebel helped build bridges throughout the community, bringing smiles to children, comfort to those facing difficult times, and warmth to every event she attended.
Rebel's journey was made possible by the many people who loved and believed in her, beginning with Pauline Hoegler, the driving force behind GOFI. Without Pauline's vision, dedication, and commitment, none of this would have been possible. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to her trainer, Suzy Moran, whose expertise and devotion helped Rebel become the extraordinary community resource dog she was. We also recognize her puppy raisers, Rachel Jackson, Randy Jackson and Joslyn Hanson, who lovingly welcomed Rebel into their home and hearts for her first four years, helping shape the compassionate, confident, and gentle dog that so many came to know and love. A very special thank you to Chief John Carmichael, for taking a chance on an outside of the box idea, and "hiring" Rebel. Last and certainly not least officer Tommy Hart and the entire Hart family. Thank you for opening your home to Rebel and giving her all of the love a dog could ask for. Together, they helped create a remarkable ambassador whose impact on the Walpole community will never be forgotten.
Rebel's legacy extends far beyond Walpole. Together, Rebel and Officer Tommy Hart helped pioneer a model of community policing that demonstrated the powerful role a community resource dog could play in building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating meaningful connections between law enforcement and the people they serve. Through their countless visits to schools, community events, senior centers, and outreach programs, they showed communities across Massachusetts what was possible when compassion became part of policing. Their success helped inspire departments throughout the Commonwealth to establish their own community resource dog programs, forever changing the landscape of community engagement and leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit people for generations to come.
Rebel's impact reached far beyond her official duties. She had a special way of making people feel seen, comforted, and cared for. Her wagging tail, kind eyes, and calming presence brought light to countless days and created memories that will last forever. While our hearts are heavy with her loss, we are grateful for the gift of having known her. Rebel leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and unconditional love that will continue to inspire our community for years to come.Thank you, Rebel, for every visit, every smile, every comforting moment, and every life you touched. You will forever hold a special place in the hearts of the Walpole community.
Run free, sweet girl. You will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. 💙
Tommy Hart Walpole Police Department Golden Opportunities for Independence Walpole Co-Operative Bank Walpole Public Schools Walpole Public Library Walpole Council On Aging Walpole Firefighters IAFF Local 2464 Suzy Moran Rachel Johnson Jackson
