MOUNT SHASTA, Calif - Just like every great story in 2019, this one started with a social media post.

The Mount Shasta Police Officers posted on Facebook a video telling a criminal they would release the K-9 if he didn’t show his hands, coming out of the backseat of the car was a pug.

The unconventional police K-9 however, sparked a conversation, why not have a police unit?

Then thanks to the help of an organization the idea is becoming a reality.

"So it’s kind of awesome it happened to be on national dog day they (Mt. Shasta City Council) voted 4-0 in favor of restarting the program," Lt. Joe Restine with the Police Department said.

Restine said there is an officer already interested in becoming the first handler, and the K-9 officer could be joining the team as early as next month.

"Police plan on having a vehicle all set up and everything done and working. We are really going to work hard probably starting tomorrow (Thursday) as far as contacting the different breeders and getting an animal," Restine said.

However, there is still a lot of training needed before the officers could be out in the field.

Once the training is complete, there would be no doubt about the value these K-9 would bring.

"We utilize them to locate people, narcotics, contraband, articles, evidence anything that you can imagine our dogs can utilize their sense of smell to help us locate things,” Redding Police officer and K-9 handler Jamie Rouland said.

Officers in Redding, who have an established team, said they are excited for their brothers in Mount Shasta and are willing to help in any way they can.

"We're just a short drive away come on down. If you have any questions or need help with something give us a call and come train with us," Officer Rouland said.

For the Facebook video, CLICK HERE